The Stones of Prato: Bill Homes' Watercolours — Book and Exhibition

The Stones of Prato: watercolours, book and exhibition

The project ‘Le pietre di Prato. Materials Colours Symbols’ brings together over one hundred watercolours by London-based architect and academic Bill Homes, recently gifted to the city. A selection of 23 works is on display at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, while the accompanying book, produced by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio, documents the town’s architecture and characteristic building materials.

The book text was translated by Eneo Baborsky and printed by Claudio Martini publisher; the exhibition is curated by the museum director Veronica Bartoletti.

Why visit

Homes’ watercolours highlight how materials — brick, alberese and serpentino — convey the history and status of Prato’s buildings. The show and the volume provide a visual guide to rediscovering architectural details often overlooked.

Practical information

• Venue: Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Prato.
• Exhibition period: opened in April 2026 and on display until 7 June 2026.
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday 13:00–17:00. Special evening openings on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 June 20:00–23:00.
• Related events: book presentation and a selection of watercolours shown at the Palazzo delle Professioni.

Visitor tip: combine reading the book with the museum visit to better understand the relationship between Homes’ drawings and Prato’s urban fabric.