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are
the upholsterers who make the cushions used in the gondola. They
prepare the ‘passenger area’ of the gondola. Their work is to make as
comfortable as possible the sentàr (the central seating and its
backrest), the two careghìni (moveable chairs) and the two banchéte
(fixed seats). However, at the same time, the padding and the covering in
fabric or leather are part of the decoration of the gondola that – along
with the carved and gilded parts – distinguishes it as a pleasure boat. Historically,
the richness of the upholstering was an exterior manifestation of the
prestige of the casata (family). Today it expresses the pride and
sense of identity of the gondolier. The parécio can be made in a
number of styles: normal, de lusso (luxury), de gala, or for
weddings. The choice of fabrics – acrylic, alcantara, brocade, damask,
velvet – also varies according to the ‘class’ of gondola. Real
or synthetic leather is also used. The edges of the cushions can be marked
with wool or silk fringes, to cover the stitching. Sometimes, as a sign of
refinement, the designs of the damasked fabric are made to match those of
the engraved and gilded parts of the gondola. Otherwise, the fabric,
especially that used for the backrests, can be enriched with Venetian lace
(from Burano or Pellestrina). The dominant colours are cardinal red,
black, dark blue, white and green. White and yellow are normally used for
wedding gondolas. |
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The
upholsterers also furnish the gondolier with the cords and tassels that
complete the brass horses (once made of wool, now in acrylic), the
carpets for the parécio and the gondolier’s platform, as well
as the covering for the cavài and other delicate parts when the
gondola is not in use. Copertìne (blankets) are no longer widely
used, while the awnings to protect the passengers from the sun and rain
have disappeared completely. In the Venetian guilds, the tapessièri were grouped together with the selliéri and the bolzèri (suitcase and trunk makers). |
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associazione 'el felze' - san marco 430 - 30123 venezia - italy |  |