by InTrieste
The Municipality of Trieste announced on Tuesday that it has acquired the extensive archive of the renowned photographer Ugo Borsatti. The collection, previously housed in Borsatti’s historic “Foto Omnia” shop, will be transferred to the municipal Photographic Archive.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in the Bazlen Room of Palazzo Gopcevich. Although Giorgio Rossi, the city’s Cultural and Tourism Policy Assessor, was unable to attend, he sent his regards. Present were Stefano Bianchi, head of the Municipal Historical Museums, Claudia Colecchia, head of the Photographic Archive of the Civic Museums of History and Art, and the master photographer himself, Ugo Borsatti, accompanied by his family.
“The archive of Ugo Borsatti is a historical treasure for the city,” Colecchia stated. “His shop, Foto Omnia, began preparations for closing, and we are thrilled to preserve this important collection.”
In recent months, the Superintendence of Archival Assets of the Friuli Venezia Region played a critical role in this endeavor. After visiting the shop and recognizing the cultural significance of the stored documentation, the Municipality of Trieste decided to proceed with the acquisition.
The acquired collection includes organizational documents, such as appointment agendas and accounting records, several cameras, and personal photographic collections of Borsatti and his sister Lucia, who passed away in 2008. This rich collection will join the previous 350,000 photograms—negatives of various formats and on different media—already purchased by the CRTrieste Foundation in 2007.
Stefano Bianchi noted that this acquisition enriches the city’s documentary heritage, which has been showcased in numerous exhibitions. “This operation honors our Photographic Archive and the city of Trieste with the work of master Ugo Borsatti,” Bianchi said.
The Municipality plans to digitize and catalog the entire collection, making it accessible to the public via the Civic Museums’ online platform. This initiative ensures that Borsatti’s comprehensive documentation of Trieste’s history will be preserved and available for future generations.
Ugo Borsatti, born in 1927, began his photography career at a young age. His first notable work, dated September 14, 1944, documented Italian soldiers captured by Germans after Badoglio’s armistice. Borsatti’s life was marked by dramatic escapes from forced labor during World War II, culminating in his return to Trieste and graduation from the Leonardo da Vinci Institute. In 1952, he founded Foto Omnia in his birth house on Via Ginnastica, later relocating to Via Gatteri in 1961.
Over his prolific career, Borsatti has documented the evolving face of Trieste, capturing public and private moments, places, and events. His work stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Assessor Rossi, praised for his dedication to preserving local heritage, was commended for his role in this acquisition. “His choice to save this city heritage ensures its accessibility and usability,” Colecchia remarked, expressing gratitude to the photographer, his family, and friends for their support.
As Trieste embraces the entirety of Borsatti’s work, the city reaffirms its commitment to honoring the past while making history accessible to all.
