Biography

Francesco Ferrario was born in Caravaggio on the 16th of April 1875 by a family of modest economic conditions. When he was 14 years old he began working as an apprentice in a blacksmith shop, which was also his father’s trade. Later he moved to Milan where he became an apprentice in the workshop of the brothers Scotti, carpenters, sculptors and wood carvers and attended the School of Applied Arts Industry of the Castello Sforzesco. He continues his studies by enrolling at the Brera Academy.
In 1901 he opened his own workshop in Milan in Via Carlo Tenca 14, he was very active and renowned that received numerous professional awards. In 1921, Nelda, the eldest daughter, joined the company with administrative tasks. From 1919 to 1925 Francesco Ferrario constantly participates in the International exhibition of Decorative Arts asserting its refined style. In 1927 the laboratory moved to Corso Sempione 75 where he had a shop attached and in the same year his daughter Evelina and his son Pietro began working with in the family company, they also graduated at the Academy of Brera. In 1937, his son Adriano joined the company and in the same year they opened a shop in Via Maravigli. In 1938 Francesco Ferrario was involved in the development of the commemorative exhibition of Giuseppe Maggiolini, restoring the most valuable pieces. In 1943 the workshop and store were destroyed by bombing during the Second World War and, after attempting a precarious accommodation in Corso Sempione, the laboratory moved definitely in Via Vittoria Colonna 9.
Francesco Ferrario died on the 7th of April 1946 and in 1957 the town of Caravaggio dedicated him a street.