Stefano Ricci takes over Moleria Locchi and protects Florentine craftsmanship
After the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, another operation between business and culture for the company, protecting the ancient workshop, a destination for antique dealers and enthusiasts from all over the world
2' min read
2' min read
High-end menswear company Stefano Ricci is acquiring one of its small suppliers, the historic Moleria Locchi in Florence, which makes engravings and grindings on glass and crystal (also) for the fashion maison's Home line. More than for the size of the company (the workshop had a turnover of 320,000 euro in 2023), the operation is valuable for the defence of a leading name in traditional Florentine craftsmanship, hitherto led by ninety-year-old Paola Locchi, heir to the workshop founded by her father-in-law at the end of the 19th century.
The workshop in the Florentine Oltrarno is a destination for antiquarians, collectors, designers and enthusiasts who want to restore and engrave chalices, cups, cruets, salt cellars, candlesticks. Customers come from halfway around the world, including the Presidency of the Republic, King Charles of England, museums and royal houses. Locchi has also created a line of crystal giftware, using antique shapes from the 18th century, Empire, Liberty and Deco: perfume bottles, whisky bottles, candlesticks, decorated jugs, the famous Medici vase, a reproduction of a 19th century wedding cup.
'With the acquisition of Moleria Locchi,' says Niccolò Ricci, CEO of the family business Stefano Ricci, 'we strengthen our vision on the Florentine tradition, linked to unique values such as heritage and high craftsmanship of this extraordinary territory.
The fourth Locchi generation, represented by Paola's nephew Matteo Locchi, will ensure operational continuity within the Stefano Ricci group: "With this operation, the Florentine brand consolidates its roots linked to the territory, after having relaunched production at the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, purchased in 2009, and continued the gold and silver craftsmanship at its production plant in Caldine, in Fiesole, for a production that is increasingly appreciated by international customers," says a note. The Stefano Ricci company closed 2024 with a turnover of 233 million, 90% of which was foreign.
