Anne Copley

After a very successful exhibition in Oxford, and a smaller one in Derby, the extraordinary photos taken by an unknown photographer of Fernanda Millevolte and her contadino relatives and neighbours are to go on show in summer 2026 at the Italian Institute in Edinburgh.

Giordano Viozzi, a close associate of the Trust and President of the Casa della Memoria in Servigliano, discovered these photos after his aunt Fernanda’s death. On seeing them, I noted their artistic merit and the fact that they centre on the very people who courageously sheltered our forefathers.

I am determined that this should mean as wide a distribution as possible. It is to be hoped that they may make their way to America as well, since they represent the forefathers of many in the worldwide Italian diaspora – reminders of the resourcefulness, resilience and initiative shown by those who had nothing, making their way in the new worlds that they and their descendants now share.