Iron and Water

Organised and curated by Gerenzone Workshop APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecco and the Lecco Urban Museum System, the exhibition stems from a desire to tell the story of the Gerenzone Valley and the centuries-old iron industry through the photographic lens of Alessio Volontè. The author passionately documents and interprets the themes of historical memory and the profound transformation of the region and the industries that sprang up along the river between the XIX and the 20th century.

The exhibition route follows the course of the water from Laorca all the way to the mouth of the river, passing through disused industrial sites and complexes that are still in operation. Considerable space is devoted to the remains of dams, bulkheads, wheels e Fiumicelle set against a picturesque natural backdrop, bearing witness to the age-old link between water and labour. Whilst not intended to be an exhaustive account, this selection of representative businesses offers a comprehensive overview of Lecco’s industrial heritage, whilst also capturing workplaces, machinery e equipment which have been out of use for decades.

The photographs take on a fundamental documentary and testimonial value, aimed at renewing focus on the protection and promotion of the artefacts of industrial archaeology, a heritage that has dwindled dramatically over time. An initiative designed to raise awareness of a legacy that continues to shape the economic, social and cultural identity of the city of Lecco.