Founded in 1291, this guild of the Arti Minori combined two different commercial sectors that were both linked to clothing and home furnishings.
The Two Main Categories
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The Rigattieri (Second-hand Dealers): They were merchants specializing in the sale of used clothes and objects.
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The Linaioli (Linen Merchants): They managed the entire production chain of linen. They produced thread, tablecloths, bedsheets, and raw canvases. They were famous for the quality of their linen, which was used to create embroidered curtains and altar cloths for churches.
Other Included Professions
Since this Guild managed household textiles, it also included other artisans:
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Tailors and Hatmakers: For the creation of clothes and hats.
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Mattress-makers: For the production of mattresses.
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Upholsterers and Decorators: To decorate and furnish homes.
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Feather-workers (Pennaiuoli): Artisans who worked with feathers for stuffing or decoration.
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Coat of Arms: A shield divided vertically, half red and half white.
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Patron Saint: Saint Mark.
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Guild Headquarters: Piazza Sant’Andrea, near the Mercato Vecchio (this site no longer exists).
