ABOUT THE ARTISTS
In 1995 the Teknoart group, a team of Florentine artisans lead by the Niccolai firm in collaboration with leading academics, physicists and historians, began to produce a series of models using material of the time: wood, cotton, brass, iron and cord. Along with the models a series of informative panels were produced by experts and include images of the original da Vinci designs.

The machines are the result of fine craftsmanship as the artisans pay particular attention to detail in order to reflect Leonardo's objectives. Each machine is designed with the aid of a computer to calculate the exact proportions of the models. At the beginning of the new millennium the Italian Government recognised the high quality and skill achieved by the Niccolai family by conferring upon them the special award "Italia che Lavora" (Italy at Work). Over the past decade a myriad of outstanding exhibitions have been held in numerous cities throughout the world, including Florence, Siena, Venice, Naples, Warsaw, Madrid, Hong Kong, Dubai, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Taipei, Vienna, and Berlin. All have been endorsed by scholars and have received official patronage by the hosting municipal councils.