User:Miggymarley/Orlandi statuary

Orlandi Statuary is one of the oldest statuary manufacturers in the United States. They specialize in casting fiberglass, custom fabrication and mold making. The company was founded by an Italian immigrant Egisto Orlandi in Chicago in 1911 fueled by the growing need for busts and classical statuary in new American libraries and museums. Egisto traveled from Lucca, Italy after working with the famous mold maker and manufacturer of plaster reproductions, Pietro Caproni. Egisto was a small boy in Italy in the 19th century when he was taken from Italy by Caproni to the British Museum and learned a technique for making molds from horse glue to reproduce classical statuary. He later returned to Italy using his craft to produce plaster reproductions for Caproni. Orlandi eventually traveled to America and broke from Caproni, bought the local Chicago Statuary Company and founded Orlandi Statuary. Egisto worked in the Chicago Columbian Exposition building what would be known as the White City. He was chosen for his plaster casting and molding skills. Orlandi has moved several times in it's history, from 459 N Milwaukee to 2341 W Wabansia and finally its present location 1801 North Central Park Ave. all located in Chicago. Egisto had no children and so requested others from his family in Italy to come to the US to keep the company in the family name. Today Egisto's great nephews Dani Orlandi, Fabio Orlandi and Michael Orlandi still run the company. Since those early days the techniques have changed and improved. They have branched into fiberglass reproductions, fabrication and advanced mold making techniques for many industries. There are many aspects to the modern business consisting mainly of garden decor, religious goods and custom fabrication. Probably the most recognizable statue in recent history is the Savannah Bird Girl reproduced exclusively by Orlandi for Potina Inc. after the successful book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Orlandi has always had a close connection to supplying the movie industry. They work with local businesses like The Morton Arboretum, The City of Chicago and many custom public works projects for cities across the US, of note are The Columbian Exposition of 1893, Suite Home Chicago, Cool Globes and Beasties on Parade in Milwaukee. Orlandi has received multiple awards most notably the 15th and 18th annual arts awards in Dallas, TX.

Orlandi is still producing in the 21st century.