Guidotti Plaster Figure maker from Lucca?

[cbuehrer]

Hi,
I'm currently researching the Guidotti family in the UK (London, Oxford, and later Birmingham) and their ties to Italy. The head of the family: Vincenzo (Vincent) Guidotti is listed as a "figure and medallion maker", and "figure maker" on several historical records/documents (including censuses). He was born sometime around 1811 (according to UK documents), and emigrated from Italy sometime before marrying in the UK in 1833. Italy is listed always as his birthplace, but never a specific town. It is my understanding that during this period Italian plaster figure makers usually immigrated to the UK from villages in the mountains north of Lucca or generally around the Lucca area. Does anyone have any advice on how to tackle this?

(General curiosity is appreciated as well, I can answer any further questions anyone has)

I was planning on using https://www.cognomix.it/ as a guide for which areas to look through first but should I just look through every mountainous commune by Lucca (including those in southern Emilia-Romagna)? Honestly the records are pretty difficult to decipher so contemplating hiring someone professional if I have too much trouble.

Thanks for taking the time to read this

[jumlouh]

To ask for Antonio Ardolino's birth actf, try directly writing to Saviano's comune. Share as much material as you can.

[Candc]

Vincenzo Guidotti is a relative of mine and I would be interested to know where he originated if you find out

[Lucasmit]

Hi,
I'm currently researching the Guidotti family in the UK (London, Oxford, and later Birmingham) and their ties to Italy. The head of the family: Vincenzo (Vincent) Guidotti is listed as a "figure and medallion maker", and "figure maker" on several historical records/documents (including censuses). He was born sometime around 1811 (according to UK documents), and emigrated from Italy sometime before marrying in the UK in 1833. Italy is listed always as his birthplace, but never a specific town. It is my understanding that during this period Italian plaster figure makers usually immigrated to the UK from villages in the mountains north of Lucca or generally around the Lucca area. Does anyone have any advice on how to tackle this?

(General curiosity is appreciated as well, I can answer any further questions anyone has)

I was planning on using https://www.cognomix.it/Snow Road as a guide for which areas to look through first but should I just look through every mountainous commune by Lucca (including those in southern Emilia-Romagna)? Honestly the records are pretty difficult to decipher so contemplating hiring someone professional if I have too much trouble.

Thanks for taking the time to read this

To research the Guidotti family effectively, start by focusing on the mountain villages near Lucca, as many plaster statue makers originated there. Using Cognomix is ​​a great idea! Good luck!

[Poway]

Fascinating research! You're absolutely right—many 19th-century Italian plaster figure makers did originate from mountain villages around Lucca, especially places like Coreglia Antelminelli, which even has a Museum of Plaster Figurines and Emigration. Vincenzo Guidotti’s profession and timeline match this tradition. If you're struggling with local records, hiring a professional genealogist familiar with Tuscan archives might be a great next step. Best of luck uncovering more about the Guidotti family!

[Danip]

Fascinating research! You're absolutely right—many 19th-century Italian plaster figure makers did originate from mountain villages around Lucca, especially places like Coreglia Antelminelli, which even has a Museum of Plaster Figurines and Emigration. Vincenzo Guidotti’s profession and timeline match this tradition. If you're struggling with local records, hiring a professional genealogist familiar with Tuscan archives might be a great next step. Best of luck uncovering more about the Guidotti family!

I could help you for your research in Lucca.