The 200 Years of the Pascucci Printing Workshop

A celebration for two centuries of rust printing

On June 6, 2026, the small municipality of Casteldelci, nestled in the upper Valmarecchia in the Province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna), will host a special day to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Pascucci Printing Workshop. The historic workshop in Gambettola, founded in 1826 and now in its sixth and seventh generation, is one of the last Italian businesses to pass down the ancient Romagnola art of rust printing on canvas: a technique rooted in the 17th century that still uses pearwood blocks and a color derived from a secret mixture of rust, wine vinegar, and flour.

The day's program

The event will take place at the VIAPIANA15 Event Space, in Viapiana, starting in the late afternoon. The heart of the celebration is the presentation of the book *Storie sgualcite del bosco* (Tattered Stories of the Forest) by Riccardo Pascucci, accompanied by a live demonstration of canvas printing, where you can closely observe the ancient gestures of hand-stamping and the impression of the designs. The absolute star is the exhibition of the 'Stendardi del Bosco' (Forest Banners): eight hand-printed and hand-painted tapestries featuring designs by the poet and screenwriter Tonino Guerra for the Pascucci workshop, symbolizing the long dialogue between Romagnola craftsmanship and the great names of 20th-century culture.

A tradition that tells the story of Romagna

The classic motifs of rust printing tell the story of rural life: ivy leaves, wheat ears, roosters, grapevines, and the characteristic "caveje" (decorative patterns). Once, ox blankets displayed at village fairs showcased the mastery of the workshops; later, umbrellas and tablecloths spread these fabrics along the coast. Collaboration with artists like Tonino Guerra, starting in the 2000s, revitalized this heritage, bringing the poet's butterflies and figures to the workshop's canvases.

Why in Casteldelci

The event is part of the rich bicentenary calendar, which throughout 2026 features exhibitions, installations, and meetings in various locations across Romagna. Casteldelci, a village of few souls in the Rimini hinterland, hosts this stage with an intimate and engaging celebration, a perfect opportunity to discover a rare craft and a charming, secluded landscape. Admission is free.