CONTEXT TEAMS UP WITH FRIENDS OF FLORENCE
TO TAKE TRAVELERS BEHIND THE SCENES OF FLORENCE’S RESTORATION PROJECTS

“Salvaging Art: Current Restoration Projects in Florence” walking seminar offers a behind the scenes look at current projects that are safeguarding Florence’s unparalleled artistic heritage.

Florence. JULY 6, 2009

Context, the network of scholars who lead critically acclaimed walking tours in several major world cities, will partner up with esteemed non-profit organization Friends of Florence for a unique collaboration that will offer an insider’s look at several of their ongoing restoration projects, including the Tribuna of the Uffizi Gallery and the San’Antonio cloister at San Marco.

The “Salvaging Art” walk will take place on July 8th, 2009 at 9:30AM and is part of the biannual Out of Context series, which offers special lectures, site openings and events in our cities, providing unique and exclusive experiences far off the beaten track. This event marks the first collaboration between Context Florence and Friends of Florence, founded in 2002 by Simonetta Brandolini D’Adda, organizations that are both widely regarded for their dedication to mitigating the negative affects of mass tourism on Florence’s precious landmarks and artwork.

“Context Florence is very honored to be joining forces with such a respected organization, who closely mirror our own mission of promoting more sustainable ways of experiencing fragile places (such as the entire historical center of Florence). This exciting walk will allow for an unparalleled look at both the deterioration and conservation of Renaissance art within the context of a modern city landscape,” says Context Florence city manager Megan McDonnell.

The walking seminar will first start at the Tribuna of the Uffizi, the octagonal display room that has held many of the masterpieces of the Medici ducal collection for over 400 years. The group will then move on the San’Antonio cloister, nestled in the placid San Marco complex, which boasts some imperiled Renaissance-era frescoes. At both spaces, we will discuss not only the history behind the structures but the science and technique behind their current endangered states and their ongoing restoration.

Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and graphic designer Lani Bevacqua, Context is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals – including art historians, writers, architects and gastronomes – who organize and lead didactic walking seminars in several world cities: Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, Paris, London, New York and Istanbul. In May 2006, Travel + Leisure named Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs.

To learn more about Context, visit its website at: www.contexttravel.com