I signori del ferro: ascese e declini famigliari in una valle siderurgica delle alpi lombarde tra XVIII e XIX secolo

The essay analyzes the trajectory of one branch of the Gregorini family from Vezza d’Oglio, in the upper Valcamonica, whose events intertwine with those of other affluent families in the valley, culminating in the history of one of the most important iron and mechanical plants in Italy during the second half of the 19th century, located in Lovere. In particular, the first phase, during the 18th century, sees the economic strengthening of the aforementioned family both within its own community—through marriages with families of professionals and wealthy merchants—and externally, by acquiring the productive activities of the Panzerini family and leveraging friendships with other ironworking families. In a second phase, during the early decades of the 19th century, this consolidation continues through the acquisition of properties from bankrupt entrepreneurs and through connections with the Zitti family of Lovere, on the shores of Lake Iseo, where the aforementioned steel plant would later be established. The essay specifically reconstructs the intertwining relationship between the Gregorini family and the Ventura family, also from Vezza d’Oglio, which follows a parallel and ultimately converging path.