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Slow Masters - Bottega del Rame

Marty Stein

Bottega del Rame is the lifework of Cesare Mazzetti in Montepulciano. Sr. Mazetti learned the craft of working with copper and brass from his father and grandfather. His store, run by his wife, is at Via dell'Opio nel Corso, 64, while the workshop is on via Teatro, and looks very much like an old blacksmith shop. It is open to the public and Sr. Mazzetti is happy to have visitors as he works. He will gladly show you pictures of his creations, and accepts custom commissions in addition to selling an extensive selection of kitchenware and other items on display in the store. A gift he made for the Pope and other such custom work is documented in photographic albums in the workshop.

Bottega del Rame

Sr. Mazetti standing in his workshop with Mrs. Stein. He is holding a wine cooler that he made

Sr. Mazetti has also created public display items such as the baptismal bowl in Chiesa San Agostino in Montepulciano, a replica of an Etruscan bowl incorporating the original handles in the Etruscan Museum in Cortona, and part of the top of the Duomo in Siena.

Bottega del Rame has a web site, with some English pages. It includes an interesting video showing a bit of the town as well as the Master at work, and for those who speak Italian, Sr. Mazetti narrates during the creation of a cooking item. The English background ballad (Scarborough Fair) seems a bit odd, but the video itself is an insight into the work and skill of this internationally respected craftsman.