About Us

Bellinissimo…the Director’s Cut!

Posted on by Nikki Coulson
25
Jul
Before we go on we really must share with you some lovely single line quotes from the guys at the factory…..

Digital advent is something that standardize Photography and on BelliniFoto we are all firmly convinced that Digital is another way than Analogue Photography, that have to walk together as different techniques for different aims.”

~ Enrico Pompili, Photochemist (on the left in this photo)

“Because in Photography you have to blend the artistic field with sciences as physics, chemistry, that are measurable; all mixed to produce one result, you can’t manipulate, so you have to manage it before clicking.”

~ Gugliemo Bellini, Genius (right)


“Digital is not a technology to substitute Photography, but is a new technology to allow to users to do something new and different with images.”

~ Filippo Abati, General Manager

Who goes on to inform that: “It’s more than just managing” he tells us, “I must do everything, whatever has to happen I must be there if I am needed”

It occurs to me that all of this so far might look a tad masculine…..it’s not the case….the office and accounts managed by the ladies, the accounts lady wishing to remain but the girl that keeps them all in order is the lovely Pina Bellini.

A lady of great character and humour, such an enjoyable person to be around…

With the flower and chocolates (Baci means kisses…long running chocolates in Italy lovely they are too!)

She was not going to be left out! 😀


Finally then…prior to ending with the potted history of what took BelliniFoto to where they are today, a gallery of photos, some showing the hoard of raw elements used in the making of the products we’ve come to know and love more and more….some rare stuff in there, trust me, a few bought with great foresight and kept since the 1970s.

Mr Bellini checks everything!
Maurizio & Stefano before their baby…the production line!
! Enrico showing us the raw and base chemistry storage area.
In store since the 1970s…
Who knows!
Shots of the relatively tiny production line. Manned here by students due to a legal requirement in Italy for them to be given a period of work experience.
Secret Stock 😉
Things always going on…
Fix it!


Stefano there, he serves us wine, sausage and the loveliest Pecorino when we’re at Photokina!

So there it is….sorry we couldn’t make it any shorter but it’s a great tale of something very positive and we hope that the updates aren’t too intrusive!

Here’s the potted history and then it’s goodbye!

Bellini Foto (Chronology)
 
1968 – The beginning: Guglielmo Bellini, founder of Bellini Foto, begins to work on motion picture  in Rome, with his brother Lanfranco, a man experienced as a Kodak employee since the 1950’s.

Two companies are involved: one called “Film Chimica” producing chemicals mainly for motion picture and some for stills photography and another called “Film Meccanica” producing developing machines for the Motion Picture industry, including Super 8. They also produced some ancillary equipment that was specifically linked to cinematic use.

Young Guglielmo was especially engaged in quality control of motion picture processing and production of chemicals kits for motion picture and photography.
 
1976 – Moving to Perugia, only one company remains: Foto Chimica, producing chemicals and equipment for motion pictures and photographic processes.  Guglielmo, was responsible for the commercial aspects of the company as well as being technical supervisor!
 
1988 –Bellini Foto srl, is founded by Guglielmo Bellini who, over 31 years later is still very much involved in many aspects of the day to day running and activity of this business.

Starting as a very little factory, growing year on year, especially during Photography golden age ’90-’00, minilab market explosion, producing all the full range of chemicals for many photographic labs both stills and motion pictures, chemicals for every process for film and paper.

Over the years our company has increased employee numbers, each new member being required to be a qualified chemist or at least to have some involvement or experience in the study of chemistry. 

So today, we all have the wonderful opportunity to draw on the immense knowledge of Guglielmo Bellini who teaches and trains his entire work group with his passion and integrity.
 
2013 – BelliniFoto acquires the rights to historical name well known in Black & White Photography the “Chimifoto Ornano” company that was founded in 1946 by the two brothers Ornano, both chemical scientists who previously did work for Agfa since the 1920.

Alfredo Ornano is still referred to in the industry having written much about the chemicals in photography.  He was a regular contributor of chemical related articles to Ferrania magazine. 

So as you can see, there was a lot going on in the world of photography in Italy throughout the 20th century.  
And it’s the end of the post, hope you enjoyed it or found it informative but stayed awake!

Nikki Coulson

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