In May 2023, Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy’s most productive regions, was struck by a devastating flood caused by climate change and global warming. Four billion cubic meters of water inundated 16,000 square kilometers in two days, with 23 rivers overflowing, causing severe damage to homes, people, animals, and businesses, as well as compromising a portion of the cultural heritage.
The library of the Archdiocesan Seminary of Forlì, housing 3 kilometers of volumes from 1400 to the present, was submerged by water and mud. The specialized recovery and restoration company, Frati&Livi, stepped in to “save history.” The salvaged volumes were washed, frozen to prevent mold and fungi, and dried through sublimation.
Founded in 1975 as a bookbinding company, Frati&Livi is a European leader in the recovery and restoration of artworks. Their commitment to the rebirth of artworks contributes to the preservation of memory and a sense of community. In a context where art represents our past and serves as a bridge to the future, conservation and restoration become acts of trust in the transformative power of culture, helping to build a resilient society aware of its own history.
