In Naples, the story of an artisan workshop that creates the most famous umbrellas in Italy, once the official supplier of the Kingdom of Bourbon Two Sicilies and of Prince Antonio De Curtis, aka Totò, today chosen by the English Royal House and lovers of detail and beauty from around the world.
The history of Talarico begins in 1860 in Naples with Giovanni Buongiovanni, the company was then called “Al Japanese” and had a sales point in Via Chiaia 76/77, one in Via Roma 198 and a laboratory in Via Sergente Maggiore where umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks and fans were made by hand.
The tradition then continues with Emilia Buongiovanni, daughter of Giovanni, who marries the well-known violinist Achille Talarico Junior, son of the even more well-known royal court painter Achille Talarico, from whose union Giovanni Talarico will be born who together with Concetta Carlevalis continues the artisan tradition of master umbrella makers for the third generation.
It is craftsmanship that makes our country so unique. With our work we want to represent Naples, Italy, and their creative force and bring them all over the world.
(Mario Talarico Junior)
The laboratory and sales moved to Vico Due Porte in Toledo 4/B, the current headquarters of Mario Talarico Since 1860, right opposite the famous Quartieri Spagnoli, and it was his son Mario in particular, among Giovanni’s 7 children, who was passionate about to the activity.
Mario continues with dedication to create “the most beautiful umbrellas in the world”, mounting them on whole woods and making them with precious San Leucio silks and fine handles such as real horn, bamboo, Sorrento lemon, or cherry. Where, obviously, everything is done by hand.
In 2006 he was joined by Mario Talarico Junior, son of his brother Alfredo and current owner, who brought innovation to the shop, especially from the point of view of marketing and international distribution, without however compromising quality in any way.
It is precisely thanks to this vision that Mario Talarico has been produced since 1860 for many illustrious people, such as Pope Francis, Princes Charles and William of England, and many Hollywood actors, international singers, as well as for all those who appreciate detail and unique objects.
In the small shop, a masterpiece of Neapolitan craftsmanship and genius, you can find umbrellas of all types, both in terms of materials, colors and shape of handle. Mario Talarico’s flagship model since 1860, the Ferrari of umbrellas, is the black one mounted on whole wood of the finest Japanese bamboo and finished in real horn, which also earned a letter of thanks from Charles of England, for which a custom one had been made.
Another must-have is the folding umbrella with beech wood handle made and hand painted which represents the Neapolitan horn-shaped amulet. A real good luck charm, which protects from the rain and all kinds of misfortune, but also very convenient in the bag given its small dimensions of just 23 cm which do not compromise sturdiness.
If you are in Naples, or you love beauty, you cannot fail to visit this shop of wonders which demonstrates how Italian genius can truly make any object a masterpiece.
The Secret
Mario Talarico since 1860’s secret is perfection in every step of umbrella packaging. From the handle made from a single piece of wood to the fabric cut and sewn by hand, each piece is, in fact, unique.
Useful Info
Mario Talarico since 1860
Vico Due Porte a Toledo 4/B
80132 Napoli
Tel. +39 081 407723
