Marmomac 2023 proclaims four new masters of stone

27.09.2023

Verona, 27 September 2023 –A full-scale investiture ceremony, complete with the consignment of the official insignia: a cube of Verona red marble, a bronze plaque and a silver chisel. The opening day of the 57th Marmomac, the landmark international event for the natural stone supply chain, on Tuesday 26 September, also saw the proclamation of four new Masters of Stone: Suzanne Musho, Alberto Franchi, Bruno Bagnara and Enzo Guardini. 

This title has continued the tradition of the Ancient Free Corporation of Stone Arts in Verona since 1319 and as of 1980 rewards people who have distinguished themselves in upholding and promoting the natural stone sector. 

Architect Suzanne Musho has more than 25 years of design experience. She has worked on prestigious projects for the American Museum of Natural History, the Jackie Robinson Museum, Columbia University, the Buck Institute for Research in Aging, and the New York Institute of Technology. Selected for her commitment as an ambassador of the natural stone world in architecture and design on an international scale, Musho feels that the profession of architect is an opportunity for leadership and social responsibility at the service of and accessible to everyone.

The Committee then proclaimed Alberto Franchi, President and Managing Director of Franchi Umberto Marmi, for his dedication and passion in guiding the company towards increasingly ambitious international goals in recent years, demonstrating entrepreneurial skill, vision and respect for the local area and its people.

Bruno Bagnara, head of Nikolaus Bagnara Marmi, in the early 1990s identified the market potential for international slabs and materials and in just a few years established himself as an innovator in the sector capable of exalting natural stone in architecture, as well as by combining quality with continuous research to obtain the best pairings of materials and new processing methods.

The last cube of red Verona marble was consigned to Enzo Guardini. Born into a family of quarrymen and stonemasons, he became well acquainted with the world of natural stone at an early age, starting work at 14 at Guardini Pietre Srl – Pietra della Lessinia. He was made a Master of Stone this year for his entrepreneurial spirit, far-sightedness without forgetting traditions, and a commitment to promoting and protecting Lessinia stone and the companies in the local area that quarry and process it. 

The four diplomas were consigned to the new Masters of the Stone by the top management of Veronafiere: President Federico Bricolo and Managing Director Maurizio Danese. 

Marmomac confirms its status as the most important international exhibition specifically for the supply chain covering natural stone, processing technologies, design applications and training. The Veronafiere Show opened with record-breaking internationality: Out of 1,507 exhibiting companies, 1,507 (68.5%) come from 54 countries abroad, while more than 50,000 expected professional operators are accredited from more than 140 countries.