I-MADE (Italian Manufacture Art & Design Exhibition), a new exhibition in London solely dedicated to Italian design comes to London this weekend amidst the city’s London Design Festival.
The exhibition sees a legato of galleries and a special programme of talks and round table discussions drawing on the expertise of esteemed Italian artisans, architects, entrepreneurs, and designers.
Lapis Sofa by Amura. All photography by Samson Yinka (c)
The inaugural edition is being held at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea - “a due passi” from London’s de facto design HQ in Chelsea Harbour. The aptness of the I-MADE’s location isn't limited to just design, though. Chelsea is no stranger to Italian brilliance; it’s home to “Daphne’s” one of London’s best Italian restaurants designed by the esteemed Chelsea-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
As a collaboration from Art Critic Elena Foschi and renowned architect and designer Giulio Cappellini, the exhibition impressively fills 13 out of 15 of the iconic Saatchi gallery's exhibition spaces, spanning approximately 2,500-square metres. “We consider London the creative capital of the world” says a statement from Foschi, “and want to use [I-MADE] as a platform to educate a global audience about Italian design, manufacture and craftsmanship.” The exhibition boasts designs from 50 of Italy’s finest furniture makers, inclduing powerhouses like Living Divani, Molteni & C, Cassina, Poliform and Flexform.
“720 Lady” by Marco Zanuso for Cassina
“Capo” by Doshi&Levien for Cappellini
“ABC” by Antonio Citterio for Flexform
Italophiles will especially enjoy Cappellini’s Jasper Morrison-inspired "Take a Seat" exhibition. This is I-MADE’s 2-gallery exhibit celebrating the history and evolution of Italian design through the most interesting chair projects. Cappellini states that “[the exhibition] explores not only beautiful, but functional and innovative designs that have shaped the Italian manufacturing landscape and continue to influence design on a global level.''
I-MADE runs from 19 – 22 September at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London. www.i-made.co.uk/what’s-on