Florence's Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli Celebrates 150 Years

Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli, one of Florence's most important bookshops, marks its 150th anniversary with the publication of a commemorative volume. Founded in 1875 by Luigi Gonnelli, the business began as a small shop in Via Ricasoli and quickly became a meeting place for scholars and collectors. In 1880, Gonnelli held the auction of philologist Giuseppe Manuzzi's library, effectively launching Italy's oldest auction house. After Luigi's death, his son Aldo Gonnelli (1894–1971) transformed the firm into a cultural institution, hosting exhibitions by artists like Rosai, De Chirico, and Conti in the 'Saletta Gonnelli' and attracting intellectuals such as Papini, Prezzolini, Croce, and Saba. The third generation, Maria Pia Gonnelli and Alfiero Manetti, oversaw a period of vitality in the 1970s, launching academic series like Papyrologica Florentina and Documenti Inediti di Cultura Toscana for the centenary. Following Alfiero's death in 2000, his son Marco G. Manetti took over and revived the auction sector in 2009, founding Gonnelli Casa d'Aste and moving sales online. The current premises at Via Fra' Giovanni Angelico 49 serve as a multifunctional space for exhibitions, courses, and cultural events. The anniversary book, curated by Marco G. Manetti with contributions from Gloria Manghetti, Roberto Maini, Andrea Baldinotti, and Emanuele Bardazzi, will be presented on November 13 at 18:00.