Aug 8, 2017 · The Mud Angels of 1966 were an expression of the internationalist instincts, transnational travel and generational solidarity that had developed out of the new-found postwar mobility of the youth of western Europe.

It is considered the worst flood in the city's history since 1557. With the combined effort of Italian and foreign volunteers alike, or angeli del fango ("Mud Angels"), many of these fine works have been restored. New methods in conservation were …

Nov 30, 2016 · During the night between Friday and Saturday, the waters had in fact receded, leaving behind a thick layer of mud mixed with sewage and diesel oil leaked from damaged boilers and heating systems.

Nov 13, 2016 · With few emergency measures in place and insufficient manpower, Florence relied on volunteers known as “Mud Angels,” who rushed to the city after hearing about the flood. These young people, from all over the world and Italy, selflessly helped Florentines shovel approximately 600,000 tons of mud, debris, and sewage left behind by the disaster.

Aug 7, 2017 · On the night of November 4, 1966, water poured through the streets of Florence, Italy. Buildings collapsed from the bottom up, compressed air in basements caused the ceilings to buckle, and the first floors of buildings collapsed downward. The surge of water brought mud and oil from destroyed storage tanks, covering the city in a slippery mixture.

Mar 18, 2024 · Centuries-old treasures waded close to destruction in the library’s stench-ridden, water and mud filled basement. Students submerged themselves for endless hours each day—initially without protective gear—searching. Many female students only had skirts, thanks to 1960’s dress codes.

The people from the city called them “mud angels”, the men and women who had come to save their great heritage. They’d worked gladly to restore Florence to its former beauty, determined not to leave a single artwork, by authors known or unknown, to disappear under the mud.

Nov 18, 2014 · With an extraordinary spirit of sacrifice this youthful multi-lingual army shoveled away tons of mud, wiped sticky oil off of marble statues, rescued sodden books, and distributed food and water.

Mar 7, 2025 · Mud Angels, the volunteers who saved Florence after the 1966 flood. Read moving accounts and learn about their impact on art conservation.

Nov 5, 2024 · In recognition of this milestone, L’Italo Americano had the pleasure of interviewing Karen Greenwald, author of The Mud Angels (Albert Whitman & Company) which tells the remarkable story of the angel del fango (the “mud angels”)—young volunteers from around the world who rushed to Florence to save priceless artifacts and historical ...