Piero Fornasetti

The Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti was born in 1913. His interest in design began at an early age, reading many books about the subject and studying historical etchings and lithographs. Upon returning from a trip to North Africa in the early 1930s, he began printing silk scarves which would become his breakthrough. The scarves garnered the attention of the renowned architect and designer Giò Ponti who initiated a collaboration. Giò Ponti would design furniture and interiors that Piero Fornasetti would decorate.

Piero Fornasettis creative work was inspired by classicism. His style was classic but unconventional and would span over a variety of trends and eras. During his active years, he created over 13,000 product sketches. Today, the company produces everything from furniture to paper bins, umbrella stands and trays. The signature patterns and motifs include curious figures, air balloons, umbrellas, hats, fruits, fish, women, and buildings.

Estrid Ericons, the founder of Svenskt Tenn, was a friend of Piero Fornasetti. The two held each other in high regards for their creativity. Their first collaboration began in 1946 when Estrid Ericson commissioned a plate with a Stockholm motif from Fornasetti’s atelier. Which is also how Fornasetti the brand was first introduced to Sweden. Throughout the years, their collaboration continued to evolve and in 1964, Piero send a letter to Estrid Ericson describing her as a great source of inspiration.

Barnaba Fornasetti

When Piero Fornasetti passed away in 1988, his son Barnaba took over the reins of the family company. A vast number of important motifs have been reissued from the Fornasetti archives thanks to Barnaba’s commitment to the house legacy. The atelier is still successfully operated by Barnaba who maintains most of the production in-house while continuing the legacy of his father’s designs. Barnaba also oversees collaborations with select partners to produce license products under the Fornasetti name.

Today, Piero Fornasetti’s products are still incredibly popular, and he is considered to be one of the greatest creative talents of the 20th century. Most of the furniture and objects produced today are reproductions of the original designs Piero Fornasetti created. Objects referred to as “re-inventions” are made by Barnaba Fornasetti using decorative motifs pulled from the enormous Fornasetti archives.