Think back to being a little kid. Were the holidays a magical season? As an adult, it’s easy to feel jaded about Christmastime – work deadlines, last-minute plans, budgeting… So much stress! But sometimes it’s nice to think back to childhood and remember how it used to be. Glitter, sparkles, twinkling lights, no school, the smell of cinnamon, and, of course, new toys! What would the holidays be without enchanted toys? In the spirit of the holidays, we wanted to share a bit of childlike whimsy today to warm our readers’ hearts.

The Italian town of Orvieto is known for its impressive cathedral. But the most memorable part of my visit there was a small shop called Il Mago di Oz in Via Pedota. Coming through the door was like entering a fairy tale.

Images courtesy of Stefania Signorello

The shop is full of toys. Not Barbies or Legos, but intricate handmade figures and models telling the stories of bygone days. It’s a carnival of colours, a delightfully chaotic tangle of shapes, characters, moods, and plotlines. Stories like the Nutcracker come to mind, where a kind sorcerer visits children to bestow upon them beautiful, intricate toys that are masterpieces of craftsmanship and magic. Toys that can even come to life under the right circumstances.

And some of the toys in the Orvieto shop do in fact come to life, or just about. They become animated though mechanisms activated by hand clapping, waving, or vocal cues. Once activated, the figures move, dance, play musical instruments, or even interact with the visitors. The jumble of styles is difficult to describe – the classic, the quirky, the childlike, the tongue-in-cheek all mixed together in the narrow space.  Antique lamps, mannequins and other curiosities are interspersed throughout. The vintage carnival aesthetic, whimsical with a touch of nostalgia, is what brings the whole shop together.

Video courtesy of FC IMAGINING Productions

All the toys are made by the shop owner, an 86-year-old artist who calls himself the Wizard of Oz. In addition, he collects and sells vintage prints, posters, magazines and ephemera. He has built his own display cabinet for them, with trays that can be pulled out to examine the contents.

Images courtesy of Stefania Signorello

The Wizard of Oz, a.k.a. Giuseppe Rosella, is also known for crafting bespoke miniature libraries, consisting of functional miniature books that tell the story of the owner’s life. A lot of thought and meticulous care goes into assembling these libraries, and a single one can take 2–3 years to finish. Their owners include celebrities like the beloved Italian film director and performer Renzo Arbore.

If you ever find yourself in Orvieto, the Wizard of Oz’s shop is definitely a sight worth seeing! In the meantime, The Gathering’s team wishes you a warm, happy, stress-free holiday season. May the spark of whimsy find you!

Il Mago Di Oz
Via Pedota, 9
05018 Orvieto
Italy
www.ilmagodioz.org/