12 July 2019
Italian Passion
by Alfies
chandelier

Vincenzo and Monica Caffarella have gained a reputation for offering some of the finest examples of 20th century decorative arts and antiques in London. They offer an exclusive selection of Italian art, including lighting, ceramics, glass, furniture and 19th-20th century paintings. Barovier and Toso, Seguso, Fontana Arte, Vistosi, Arteluce, Stilnovo, Gambone, Gio Ponti, Borsani: these are just some of the prestigious names in Italian decorative art to be found in their store on the ground floor and second floor of Alfies Antique Market.

Here we pick three of their top sellers; first up is a 1970s Italian glass and brass panel light by award winning designer Angelo Brotto (‪1914-2002‬). The Venetian born designer carved a named out for himself through his forward thinking bold designs. He enjoyed success early on in his career creating pieces for the Peggy Guggenheim collection in the late 40s. But it was his partnership the Murano glassmaker Esperia through the 60s and 70s that that made him a household name.His forward thinking, joyful designs were embraced by the affluent buyers of the time looking for a new wave of aesthetics; as interiors moved away from the previous traditions of form and function and into a new era of fun.

panel light

Second up we have a rare 1960s Venetian glass chandelier by Lino Tagliapietra for La Murrina. For over 70 years Lino Tagliapietra has been working with glass. Starting his glassblowing apprenticeship at the tender age of 11 and now in his 80s the artist continues his practice working between Murano, Italy and Seattle, USA.His technical skill and artistic vision makes him one of the most sought after glassmakers of modern design.
The rare glass chandelier under his name is an exceptional piece highlighting his craftsmanship.

glass chandelier

Last but by no means least Vincenzo Caffarella currently have in stock a 1950s Italian console table with drawers and glass top by renowned designer Maurizio Tempestini (‪1908-1960‬). Whether you are aware of his name or not you have probably seen his iconic designs in one form or another, be it brutalist lamps from the 1970s to the circular wire chairs. In 1938 Maurizio Tempestini settled a studio in Florence with architects Porcinai and Nello Baroni. This dynamic studio rapidly became a benchmark in the cultural life of the city. Tempestini worked with various design houses in his relatively short career and was described as an interiors architect.

console table

Italian design has a rich and diverse offering, is synonymous with class, style and forward thinking of the breakaway movements in the 60s and beyond.
So if you are looking for a slice of Italian delight Caffarella are the dealers in the know, they are always on hand to give you advice and source items for you.