There are few places in the world capable of taking you back in time to a different dimension. One of these few is the old boatyard in Numana where, the Iurini family has constructed wooden boats entirely by hand for generations. Aldo, the shipwright, has even recently published a book called L’Angolo dietro il Molo in which, through detailed accounts and images, he tells the story of this place and of the many locals, whom over the past 50 years, have passed through its door.
Paco Nobili, the photographer in question, discovered this place by accident whilst he was taking a walk through Numana. Attracted by the noise coming from the boatyard, he shyly poked his head through the door – and if it wasn’t for a recent political comic strip – he would have assumed he was in a stargate, freshly landed in a different space and time. Paco recalls finding himself directly in front of Aldo Iurini. He was aloof but kind, slightly bothered by his presence but at the same time proud of his interest towards his work. He told Paco that there are not many shipwrights left as it is a job that takes time, sweat and passion. Whilst he carried on working, he allowed Paco to take a few shots of the boatyard and himself, no doubt aware of the need to record the importance of a declining industry.