In this evocative episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks to Laura Pritchard, a British-born artisan who swapped the foggy landscapes of the UK for the light and tides of Venice. Today, Laura is one of the few women working as a maestra d’ascia, a traditional boatbuilder shaping the iconic vessels of the lagoon with age-old tools and timeless care.

Together, they talk about what it means to embrace an ancient craft in a foreign land, how wood and water can become a language of belonging, and the quiet revolution of carving one’s place—literally and metaphorically—in a deeply rooted tradition.

It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and reverence for Venice’s maritime soul.

Laura’s journey from the UK to Venice:

• beginnings, motives, transformation
• what it means to be a maestro d’ascia in a city built on water
• gender and tradition: carving out space in a male-dominated craft
• the relationship between wood, water, and identity
• how craftsmanship bridges cultures and generations

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Laura Pritchard

If you love stories of transformation, tradition, and the quiet power of craft, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to Venice Talks on your favorite podcast platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you listen.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a voice from the lagoon!