The collection of Fornaroli house atit a London by Phillips. The Fornaroli family was deeply immersed in an artistic environment with particular attention to detail natural in their home. This sale features a wide variety of Casa Fornaroli objects and gives us a window into the intimate daily life of a mid-century Italian family with close artistic ties. Including pieces from iconic designers and makers, many of Gio Ponti, who stylistically defined the panorama of Italian design, the items in this sale spanning 6 decades and demonstrating a variety of forms, means and techniques of production, illustrating the deep artistic relationships cultivated by Fornaroli throughout his life. The auction will take place on April 27 in London.
Antonio Fornaroli and Gio Ponti in the 30s
Fornaroli and Ponti work together on experimental and technological innovations such as the marble slab cladding of the monumental building in Montecatini (1936), the studies for the tapered structure of the Pirelli skyscraper (1956-1960), and the original design of the building Savoy Insurance (1971). The partners not only succeeded in carrying out extremely challenging architectural projects, but were also culturally curious allies, ahead of their time in their pioneering work to produce cutting-edge projects in collaboration with young artists, designers and architects of the time. Together, together with Alberto Rosselli, they founded one of the most prolific and appreciated Italian architecture and design studios of the 1956th century: Ponti-Fornaroli-Rosselli (PFR). They designed important Milanese buildings such as the building of the Faculty of Architecture of the Milan Polytechnic (49), the residential building by Gio Ponti at no. 1957 via Dezza (1956) and the Pirelli skyscraper (60-XNUMX). The studio designed the Casa Fornaroli itself and frequently collaborated with designers, artists and sculptors of the time, many of whom have works included in the Casa Fornaroli auction.
The most interesting objects at auction
The highlights of this sale by Gio Ponti they include a unique wardrobe, the “I Fantini” toy furniture set, a prototype coffee table and a striking wet bar with built-in oil paintings. Alongside these pieces are several works designed by Fausto Melotti, including ceramics, jewelry and a bronze sculpture "The hug". Also, among other works are a group of coasters by Paul DePoli, lights of Venini, a table lamp Max Ingrand, glasses, bowls and frames of Fulvio Bianconi designed by Tobia Scarpa, Carlo Scarpa and Tomaso Buzzi and a selection of Pablo Picasso ceramic.
This fantastic selection of artwork, glass, ceramics, objects and furnishings gives an idea of how Casa Fornaroli has been decorated. Everything, down to the glass and lamps, was made for the Fornaroli family by their close circle of artist, architect and designer friends. The interior of the apartment and this selection of objects reflect the thriving and collaborative Italian design art community of XNUMXth century Milan and represent the legacy of a lifestyle.
