Giancarlo & Stefano Pedretti - Master Engravers
"The engravers of Val Trompia have transformed the embellishment of modern fine guns over the last four decades, and the Pedrettis loom large in Italy's aesthetic revolution. Elena Micheli-Lamboy the premier translator to the Italian gun trade and former gunmaker Stephen Lamboy provide English-speaking audiences with unprecedented insights into Giancarlo and Stefano Pedretti's artistry and influence in this magnificently illustrated third volume in the Italian Master Engravers Series." --Vic Venters, Senior Editor, Shooting Sportsman magazineTo my recollection, I have held two of Italy s finest sporting arms engraved by Giancarlo or Stefano Pedretti a Bosis and a Beretta SO grade. Describing the elegance of the work, the intricate cuts on the steel and the shaping and directing of light challenges the most poetic and observant writer for one is writing about three dimensional objects that have weight and contour and which are best appreciated by handling them, holding them up to the light and viewing them in three hundred and sixty degrees, as one would a piece of sculpture. Authors Elena Micheli-Lamboy and husband, Steven Lamboy, and publisher/editor S.P. Fjestad have published Giancarlo & Stefano Pedretti Master Engravers, a volume about a rare father-and-son engraving team and their studio in Gardone, Italy. The volume is the third in the series on Italian master engravers offered by Blue Book Publications. Books on any art form, to belabor the obvious, can offer only text and photographs. Within cages of words and two-dimensional visual images, the Lamboys have accomplished something extraordinary: more than illuminating their art, they have illuminated Giancarlo s and Stefano s artistic soul. Elena and Steven s ability to convey the Pedrettis' passion and values gives intellectual and aesthetic integrity to this ambitious project. The lyrical text reads so seamlessly it is easy to overlook the almost Sisyphean challenge facing the translator to capture in English the Italian flavor and passion. Elena s unsurpassed translating skill gives vivid life to the stunning text, permitting the reader to glide along as if on a tranquil lake rather than face the rough waters of a language barrier. The book contains 256 pages of text and sumptuous full-color plates of Pedretti-engraved firearms crafted by many of the world s most prestigious makers, presented in an oversized hardcover format. With photography by Mauro Negri and an interior design and layout by Andrea Marconi, this volume presents the engraving art in a way that stirs the soul, expands the mind and causes the fingers to tingle as only great art can do. The expansive array of illustrations showcases the Pedrettis masterful command over the full array of engraving styles and techniques the ornamental style done with hammer and chisel; the bulino done with the burin and hand pressure and the inlaying of precious metals. With the slightest infusion of imagination, the lush color plates induce the reader to feel the hot breath of the lion, smell the musk of the charging rhino, hear the beating of quail and pheasant wings and the yelp of the running Labrador. The Lamboys present the union of gunmaker and engraver with a harmony befitting an Olympic ice skating pair. Through the creation of the gun and the art, the reader will also see the bridge between the client and the dream. I spoke with Elena to get background material for this review. She shared personal anecdotes that give further depth and richness to the understanding of this father-son duet. Laura, Stefano s wife and college sweetheart, told Elena that reading this book allowed her to know and appreciate her husband s work in greater depth. Elena confided that Laura s spontaneous words were among the greatest compliments she and Steve have received. My guess is that Elena and S --Vic Venters, Senior Editor, Shooting SportsmanTo my recollection, I have held two of Italy s finest sporting arms engraved by Giancarlo or Stefano Pedretti a Bosis and a Beretta SO grade. Describing the elegance of the work, the intricate cuts on the steel and the shaping and directing of light challenges the most poetic and observant writer for one is writing about three dimensional objects that have weight and contour and which are best appreciated by handling them, holding them up to the light and viewing them in three hundred and sixty degrees, as one would a piece of sculpture.  Authors Elena Micheli-Lamboy and husband, Steven Lamboy, and publisher/editor S.P. Fjestad have published Giancarlo & Stefano Pedretti Master Engravers, a volume about a rare father-and-son engraving team and their studio in Gardone, Italy. The volume is the third in the series on Italian master engravers offered by Blue Book Publications. Books on any art form, to belabor the obvious, can offer only text and photographs. Within cages of words and two-dimensional visual images, the Lamboys have accomplished something extraordinary: more than illuminating their art, they have illuminated Giancarlo s and Stefano s artistic soul.  Elena and Steven s ability to convey the Pedrettis' passion and values gives intellectual and aesthetic integrity to this ambitious project. The lyrical text reads so seamlessly it is easy to overlook the almost Sisyphean challenge facing the translator to capture in English the Italian flavor and passion. Elena s unsurpassed translating skill gives vivid life to the stunning text, permitting the reader to glide along as if on a tranquil lake rather than face the rough waters of a language barrier.  The book contains 256 pages of text and sumptuous full-color plates of Pedretti-engraved firearms crafted by many of the world s most prestigious makers, presented in an oversized hardcover format. With photography by Mauro Negri and an interior design and layout by Andrea Marconi, this volume presents the engraving art in a way that stirs the soul, expands the mind and causes the fingers to tingle as only great art can do.  The expansive array of illustrations showcases the Pedrettis masterful command over the full array of engraving styles and techniques the ornamental style done with hammer and chisel; the bulino done with the burin and hand pressure and the inlaying of precious metals. With the slightest infusion of imagination, the lush color plates induce the reader to feel the hot breath of the lion, smell the musk of the charging rhino, hear the beating of quail and pheasant wings and the yelp of the running Labrador.  The Lamboys present the union of gunmaker and engraver with a harmony befitting an Olympic ice skating pair. Through the creation of the gun and the art, the reader will also see the bridge between the client and the dream.  I spoke with Elena to get background material for this review. She shared personal anecdotes that give further depth and richness to the understanding of this father-son duet. Laura, Stefano s wife and college sweetheart, told Elena that reading this book allowed her to know and appreciate her husband s work in greater depth. Elena confided that Laura s spontaneous words were among the greatest compliments she and Steve have received. My guess is that Elena and Steve will receive several such words of praise.   For the Lamboys, working with the Pedrettis was an elevating experience. Not only are they master engravers, Elena said, but they are exquisite compassionate people. Elena remarked, We were friends before the book but the book has strengthened our mutual respect and friendship.  Giancarlo & Stefano Pedretti Master Engravers would be a welcome addition to the collection of any lover of fine guns and fine engraving. --Michael G. Sabbeth, Esq.