On September 28 and 29, 2024, photographer Jacopo Brunello unveiled his photobook As if a Factory Spoke of Us at Palazzo Toaldi Capra in Schio, Italy. The event, supported by the Casa Capra Association, offered a poignant exploration of Schio’s industrial heritage through photography, dialogue, and reflection.
The project, part of Brunello’s ECHO Academies initiative, delves into the legacy of Fabbrica Alta, an iconic but abandoned industrial site in Schio. The photobook captures the relationship between the town’s industrial memory and the identities of its residents, presenting the site as a metaphorical bridge between past, present, and future.
These efforts culminated in a 72-page photobook published by Hungarian-based Hectic Books, with an initial print run of 500 copies distributed across Europe.
Event Highlights
The presentation on September 28 featured a curated exhibition of prints from the photobook, accompanied by a talk by Brunello and discussions led by the Casa Capra Association. Approximately 100 visitors attended over the two days, with the exhibition remaining open to the public on September 29. A second book presentation took place at the Capa Center in Budapest, hosted by Hectic Books.
The project sparked meaningful dialogue among Schio’s residents, emphasizing the importance of preserving and reimagining industrial heritage. Younger attendees expressed a strong desire for more artistic initiatives addressing industrial archaeology to foster awareness and pride in local history. Through As if a Factory Spoke of Us, Jacopo Brunello uses photography not only to document Schio’s industrial past but also to inspire visions for its future. The photobook and accompanying events underscore the transformative power of art in connecting communities with their heritage.
