Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Fancy Plaques

Labroarte Ceramiche plaque, LivornoThis “Labroarte Ceramica” (Labronic Art Ceramics) plaque is an interesting starting point for a post just because of that “Labro” prefix. We have already seen that “Labronic” is a more emphatic form used for a library or an academy, while “Livornese” is for everyday use.
The four towers shown in the plaque are quite important in the history of Livorno. From left to right: the “Torre del Marzocco” (Marzocco tower), the “Mastio di Matilde” (Matilda's Keep), the “Torre della Meloria” (Meloria tower) and the “Fanale dei Pisani” (Pisans' Beacon). These are the last still standing of many more.Hairdresser for man and woman, plaque, LivornoNot far, another fancy sign: “Hairdresser for man and woman - Donati Sabrina's - No lunch pause”.Plaque: Mood, weather and money could affect the opening hours of this shop, LivornoLast but not least this funny disclaimer: “Mood, weather and money could affect the opening hours of this shop! Excuse me”.

26 comments:

stromsjo said...

I like that disclaimer. Finally, truth in advertising! :)

Luis Gomez said...

These are so pretty.

brattcat said...

Thanks for the translations, VP. I'll have to remember that last one on the days when I can't drag myself to my desk, and on the days when I can't drag myself away from it. Now I know there is at least one kindred spirit out there. I also love the four towers and appreciate having their names. I wish I knew more of the history of how they got those names.

Hilda said...

Such beautiful and artistic ceramic plaques! I think I want the last one on my office door too! What's 'office' in Italian? :)

cieldequimper said...

The last one is too funny! The first one is beautiful and the second one, lol, that's *almost* my name! ;-)
I was introduced to MC by my mother and Giuseppe (DS). At first I preferred tenors and then suddenly I had a revelation. The problem now is that I compare every singer to her and no one comes near, apart from maybe la Cecilia who in my point of view also has an expressive voice per se. I didn't know there were widowers when she lived Avenue Georges Mandel, I went there just to see where she had ended in sadness.

tapirgal said...

The first one really is beautiful, and charming with the towers. The last, as Ciel said, funny. Thanks for these.

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

Amazing!

Garden Lizard

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear friend,
I'm double happy now!First because this post is really cool and I loved it. Also because I could try how's my Italian...in fact I can read, "almost read"( LOL )it's nice, but the real difficult thing is trying to speak! LOL no way! :)
However, I'm happy that you help us with some translation!Thanks!
The last one is my favourite!Such a nice one! :)
Hugs
Léia

B SQUARED said...

What's not to like. Beauty and honesty.

Gunn said...

Pretty, and the last one is my favorite! ;-)

Halcyon said...

Funny! I enjoy all of these plaques. Some people have a good sense of humor.

VP said...

@ brattcat - After the bridges we'll see the towers, but I need some more photos.
@ Hilda - The Italian for office is not so different: ufficio.
@ ciel - The 'vedovi' was a mocking definition often used at the time...
One of the best opera ever recorded is the Tosca directed by de Sabata, with MC & GdS. An 'r' too much?

joo said...

Those plaques are wonderful - I couldn't choose my favourite this time!

VP said...

@ Léia - I'll try post every funny plaque or sign I find. I'm glad you can 'almost' red them...

Rob Siemann said...

Very nice, very fancy. I think I'd actually fancy one like that!
Congrats to your 100th follower, my friend!

Fio said...

Questa l'ultima mi piace di piu' ;-)

cieldequimper said...

Yes, 1953. I avoid any Callas after 1957 with one exception: the 1958 Traviata in Lisbon. What her voice had already lost she makes up for with her drama talent.

No, not an "r" too much! ;-)

Unknown said...

Glad I could read (and understand it! Lol!) what's written on the third plaque without translation. Very funny! Nice theme set again!

Tinsie said...

Cool post! I like plaques and often photograph them myself. LOL @ the last one hehe!

Ilse said...

I just love the ceramics one finds in Italy. Almost every town seems to have their own styles & designs. Could become a consuming passion.

Unknown said...

I want one of those plaques that declare mood, money and weather are reasons for not working!

Tussy said...

They are so pretty!

You Got A Posty
All Little Things I Like

PJ said...

That last one is just a hoot! Everything is very artistic and thoughtful, such a nice touch.

Andreea said...

The last one is pretty funny, I should make myself one.

Anonymous said...

It is so nice when people care to bring something pretty in their lives.

Copenhagen said...

Once again the tiles are one of the best art forms in history.