History of Ceramics in Tuscany - Trequanda

The terracotta production in Petroio

The revival of olive growing after the heavy frost of 1709 – a climatic event which culminated in a so-called “mini ice-age” – in Tuscany led to a more intense production of containers for storing oil and consequently the number of kilns grew. A good number of these are still scattered all over he countryside, which is typical of semirural industry in the Modern era.
During the 18th century, however, it becomes evident that terracotta manufacture tended to gravitate towards specialized centres of manufacture where, as well as storage jars and large plant pots, other garden containers are produced (large plant tubs), earthenware ducts and other utensils thrown on a potter’s wheel. This phenomenon of localization of terracotta manufacture, caused by the growing importance of olive tree cultivation in Tuscany in the 18th century, is undoubtedly the reason for the growth of Petroio, whose manufacture, exploiting the good quality clay deposits at Abbadia Sicille, supplied storage jars, large plant pots and other vessels for olive growers in the area around Siena and part of the Valdichiana itself.

Particularly important for the history of local production is the company of the Benocci family, owner of the oldest firm, which is thought to have been set up in the 18th century, even though records available so far mean that it cannot be traced back further than 1840, when Eustachio Benocci was head of the firm.
What was typical of the old earthenware production in Petroio was that of managing the sizeable manufacture of large scale terracotta objects, today modelled onto plaster casts, as well as the production of earthenware thrown on a potter’s wheel such as small and large basins, warmers and tableware and glazed kitchenware.

Right after the II W. War, the manufacture of terracotta which operated in the historic centre of Petroio, moved outside town, to be nearer the supply of raw materials and to be able to transport their wares more easily. The Benocci firm and Nenzi e Benocci, also founded in the 18th century, Marrangoni, dating back to 1859, Raffaelli and son, active since 1950, FATAP, founded in 1970 and which has taken over Benocci Febo, opened in 1959, are all still active today.

Fausto Berti