The Stuflesser brothers:
two heads are better than one.
Many of you know exactly what it means to have siblings. Some siblings hate each other, some love each other, some become enemies and some become allies.
Filip and I, Robert, decided to take this path together, although we never felt under any pressure to do so. Taking over a family business and managing the latter well, be it economically and strategically or also morally, is a challenge that makes itself felt day after day. This path is paved by ups and downs, disappointments and moments of achievement.
Team
Artists
History
Commitment
The Stuflesser Team.
Not only our artists, carvers, gilders, decoration carvers and restorers are important, but also the heads which are behind every single project.
DDr. Robert Stuflesser - Owner, carved in 1980
Robert was born in Bolzano in 1980. He was educated in Italy, Austria and Australia where he was also able to establish international relationships.
Robert’s fantasy and business acumen has been giving the operation an extra edge since 2003. Due to his creativity, he is always searching for new challenges and future-oriented possibilities to create a perfect customer experience. Robert is responsible for the customer service, the website and the trade fair participation.
Robert means creativity for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Robert was born in Bolzano in 1980. He was educated in Italy, Austria and Australia where he was also able to establish international relationships.
Robert’s fantasy and business acumen has been giving the operation an extra edge since 2003. Due to his creativity, he is always searching for new challenges and future-oriented possibilities to create a perfect customer experience. Robert is responsible for the customer service, the website and the trade fair participation.
Robert means creativity for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Filip Stuflesser - Owner, carved in 1976
Filip Stuflesser was born in Bolzano in 1976. He attended various schools in Italy, Austria and the USA, where he developed his language skills and became acquainted with other cultures. Filip has been an important member in the operation since 1999. Filip is very talented in planning and projecting the church interiors, as he is a skilled artist with very good taste, who never disregards the "religious functionality" either. He is very dynamic and always open to new challenges.
Filip means constancy for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Filip Stuflesser was born in Bolzano in 1976. He attended various schools in Italy, Austria and the USA, where he developed his language skills and became acquainted with other cultures. Filip has been an important member in the operation since 1999. Filip is very talented in planning and projecting the church interiors, as he is a skilled artist with very good taste, who never disregards the "religious functionality" either. He is very dynamic and always open to new challenges.
Filip means constancy for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Dr. Daniel Quitta - Right hand, carved in 1975
Daniel was born in Bolzano in 1975. He was educated at the University of Economics in Trento, Italy. After successfully completing his studies, he worked as a painter and gilder for four years, which allowed him to gather valuable experience. Daniel has been working in the operation since 2007 and is very successful in the fields of restoration and customer consulting. Moreover, his technical expertise enables him to find a solution to every problem and he is also the contact person on logistical issues.
Daniel means reliability for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Daniel was born in Bolzano in 1975. He was educated at the University of Economics in Trento, Italy. After successfully completing his studies, he worked as a painter and gilder for four years, which allowed him to gather valuable experience. Daniel has been working in the operation since 2007 and is very successful in the fields of restoration and customer consulting. Moreover, his technical expertise enables him to find a solution to every problem and he is also the contact person on logistical issues.
Daniel means reliability for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Martin Runggaldier - New energy, carved in 1993
Martin was born in Bressanone in 1993 and was educated in German/Italian schools. Since he is also Choral-Conductor, Art is in his blood and therefore he has an excellent eye regarding art and design. He has been in the operation since January 2020 and is responsible for the customer care and the graphic layout. Due to his interest in photography and photographic editing, he is the contact person for photomontages, which enable customers to better envisage their personal works prior to creation.
Martin means innovation and future for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Martin was born in Bressanone in 1993 and was educated in German/Italian schools. Since he is also Choral-Conductor, Art is in his blood and therefore he has an excellent eye regarding art and design. He has been in the operation since January 2020 and is responsible for the customer care and the graphic layout. Due to his interest in photography and photographic editing, he is the contact person for photomontages, which enable customers to better envisage their personal works prior to creation.
Martin means innovation and future for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Fabian Kostner - carved in 1987
Fabian was born in November 1987 in Bolzano. After his scholastic education in Sterzing and Innsbruck, our newest employee found his way to us in November 2021. Together with Daniel and Martin he takes care of the concerns and wishes of our customers. In the past years he was rather found in sports facilities, but now he takes care of statues, saints, altars and the entire organization, which is necessary for our projects. In his free time, Fabian is active as a youth coach for the local track and field team. He has been happily married since 2015 and is father of a little boy.
Martin means future and logistic for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Fabian was born in November 1987 in Bolzano. After his scholastic education in Sterzing and Innsbruck, our newest employee found his way to us in November 2021. Together with Daniel and Martin he takes care of the concerns and wishes of our customers. In the past years he was rather found in sports facilities, but now he takes care of statues, saints, altars and the entire organization, which is necessary for our projects. In his free time, Fabian is active as a youth coach for the local track and field team. He has been happily married since 2015 and is father of a little boy.
Martin means future and logistic for Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875.
Our artists and artisans.
Artists and artisans from Ortisei interact to realize important and solemn projects: everything after your indication and wish.
Sculptor: The sculptor, also known as carver or woodcarver, is an artist who produces figures made of solid materials, such as wood, stone or marble. From the very beginning all statues are made entirely by hand, thus resulting in the creation of unique artistic pieces. The sculptor also models statues in clay which are then cast in bronze with the system of lost wax.
Decorative sculptor: Like the sculptor, the decorative carver is as well an artist who works with solid materials. However, the decorative sculptor specializes in the carving of ornaments, decorative trimmings, crowns and decorations in general.
Decorative sculptor: Like the sculptor, the decorative carver is as well an artist who works with solid materials. However, the decorative sculptor specializes in the carving of ornaments, decorative trimmings, crowns and decorations in general.
Painters: The painters design and paint the statues and altars and, depending on their individual fields of specialization, perform restorations as well.Painters: The painters design and paint the statues and altars and, depending on their individual fields of specialization, perform restorations as well.
Restorer: The restorer specializes in interventions aimed at conserving the work or statue. A distinction is made between integrative and conservative restoration: this varies from one order to the next.
Restorer: The restorer specializes in interventions aimed at conserving the work or statue. A distinction is made between integrative and conservative restoration: this varies from one order to the next.
Restorer: The restorer specializes in interventions aimed at conserving the work or statue. A distinction is made between integrative and conservative restoration: this varies from one order to the next.
Gilder: The gilder is the artist who coats the objects with a layer of gold. For this purpose, Ferdinand Stufelsser’s gilders use real (23 carat) gold. There are several different techniques of applying gold to a statue, altarpiece or any other object.
Wrought-iron blacksmiths, (wood) turners, goldsmiths, ... Other artisans who assist in designing the works are wrought-iron blacksmiths who produce crowns, crooks, lilies and other accessories made of metal, (wood) turners, goldsmiths and even more artisans who are needed for specific tasks.
Our history.
History and tradition are two extremely important pillars of our studio. At the moment, Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875 is headed by the 5th generation. Here are some of the important milestones:
The fourth generation, 1973 – 2004
The fourth generation began in the 1970s, when Ferdinando Stuflesser took over the family business. Ferdinando was educated in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. He is renowned for his tireless search for improvement, perfection and for the guarantee of quality necessary for a healthy customer satisfaction. He gave great importance to our vast archive, which still gives us the ability to trace sculptures carved in our workshops in the past.
Ferdinando invented the name Ars Sacra 1875 Ferdinand Stuflesser. Having chosen to specialize in restoring, Ferdinando also has had the pleasure of restoring works which were created by his grandfather and great-grandfather – a task which he considers to be a huge honor and privilege for him.
The fourth generation began in the 1970s, when Ferdinando Stuflesser took over the family business. Ferdinando was educated in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. He is renowned for his tireless search for improvement, perfection and for the guarantee of quality necessary for a healthy customer satisfaction. He gave great importance to our vast archive, which still gives us the ability to trace sculptures carved in our workshops in the past.
Ferdinando invented the name Ars Sacra 1875 Ferdinand Stuflesser. Having chosen to specialize in restoring, Ferdinando also has had the pleasure of restoring works which were created by his grandfather and great-grandfather – a task which he considers to be a huge honor and privilege for him.
The third generation, 1935 – 1973
The third generation began with Ferdinand Stuflesser II, who had been managing the art studio from 1939 onwards. During World War II the workshops were closed. After having overcome the initial difficulties after World War II, Ferdinand II developed a type of wood treatment which is still used and praised in our workshops.
He made a distinct contribution to the growth and fame of the studio. Many of the creations of his period can be found in Italy, Germany and in the United States of America.
The third generation began with Ferdinand Stuflesser II, who had been managing the art studio from 1939 onwards. During World War II the workshops were closed. After having overcome the initial difficulties after World War II, Ferdinand II developed a type of wood treatment which is still used and praised in our workshops.
He made a distinct contribution to the growth and fame of the studio. Many of the creations of his period can be found in Italy, Germany and in the United States of America.
The second generation, 1910 – 1935
The second generation of our studio was led by Johann Stuflesser, who was born in 1883. He continued this ancient tradition traveling mostly through the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Working for the Catholic Community, specialized Ecclesiastical retailers and dealers, Johann was indisputably known for his entrepreneurial capabilities. It was his idea to set up an exhibition department as a part of the studio, where, to this day, people can admire our carved works. The second generation was, at one point, somewhat slow-moving, as a result of four years of inactivity during World War I between 1914 and 1918. In 1918, Ortisei, which now lies on the Italian-Austrian border, suddenly went from Austrian to Italian. This change in geographical boundaries led to an increase in Italian customers and sales.
The second generation of our studio was led by Johann Stuflesser, who was born in 1883. He continued this ancient tradition traveling mostly through the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Working for the Catholic Community, specialized Ecclesiastical retailers and dealers, Johann was indisputably known for his entrepreneurial capabilities. It was his idea to set up an exhibition department as a part of the studio, where, to this day, people can admire our carved works. The second generation was, at one point, somewhat slow-moving, as a result of four years of inactivity during World War I between 1914 and 1918. In 1918, Ortisei, which now lies on the Italian-Austrian border, suddenly went from Austrian to Italian. This change in geographical boundaries led to an increase in Italian customers and sales.
The first generation, 1875 – 1910
The originator of the Ferdinand Stuflesser was Ferdinand Stuflesser I, who was born in 1855. He was one of the most enterprising woodcarvers of that period. Having learned the art of woodcarving from his relatives, he registered the studio as a business in 1875 (first provable registration).
The founder Ferdinand, a pioneer in the field of ecclesiastical crafts, created this unique workshop because of his passion for the art. He was supported by his wife Anamaria Senoner, whose language skills were appreciated for the correspondence with foreign customers.
The originator of the Ferdinand Stuflesser was Ferdinand Stuflesser I, who was born in 1855. He was one of the most enterprising woodcarvers of that period. Having learned the art of woodcarving from his relatives, he registered the studio as a business in 1875 (first provable registration).
The founder Ferdinand, a pioneer in the field of ecclesiastical crafts, created this unique workshop because of his passion for the art. He was supported by his wife Anamaria Senoner, whose language skills were appreciated for the correspondence with foreign customers.
Our commitment.
Making a promise is demanding and not always easy: we are committed to giving you professional advice in order to realize your artistic project.
Although facing and shouldering the responsibility wasn’t easy at the beginning, we are now very conscious of our strengths as a workshop and are continuing this longstanding church interior tradition with pride and visions.
Year after year since our beginnings, we have happily been able to record new and satisfied customers all over the world, from Australia to Great Britain, from Switzerland to the United States and the Vatican: that helps us to constantly tap into and strengthen our original verve and enthusiasm vis-à-vis our work.
In our company, we hope you find an undertaking that doesn’t simply sell you an end-product. With our help, we hope you are able to find those artists and artisans who manage to understand your idea and put it into practice. We are aware that you are commissioning us to create something, which therefore has to live up to your expectations. Just consider us as your "maître Tailleur", your modest master tailor for Wooden sculptures, and also bronze and marble works.
We promise to support every project with professionalism and objective advice. We promise to preserve and exalt the individuality of our work through custom-made and handmade craftsmanship. One point to which we give particular importance is the absolute quality of our works, which are all handcrafted.
We are here for you.
Statues, Church interiors, restoration, monuments and portraits. We are glad to give you our best advice.
