ALBUM La Fucina di Efesto Milan, via Arrivabene 24 A 16th-century stable, situated near the Politecnico di Milano in the bustling area of Bovisa, was converted into a smithy in the 20th century. In 1997, Alessandro Rametta, then a young university student who was a friend of the owner’s grandson, was so charmed by the place and by the magic of the craft that he decided to pick up the trade himself. Since then, he has devoted his life to studying metals and techniques, focusing on a constant research into innovative technical and aesthetic solutions for the creation of sculptures, furniture items, stairs, gates and architectural structures. Today, nearly 20 years on, Rametta passionately continues his adventure with Andrea Capriotti, his associate. They work with every type of metal (iron, copper, brass, with the exception of aluminium), implementing ad hoc burnishing, acidating and waxing techniques to obtain an array of colours, shades and special effects. They often inlay and combine metals with different consistencies. Their production is thus ultra modern, yet based on ancient traditions, which are renewed using modern techniques. Rametta and Capriotti start every project with an in-depth analysis with their clients. Then they develop a graphic rendering before choosing the most appropriate metals. In their production they combine manual techniques (using traditional tools such as pliers, hammers, cutting torches and blow torches) and technology (laser cutting and TIG welding). An important part of the process involves choosing the best chromatic combinations based on a rich selection of sample materials. Rametta and Capriotti have worked on projects with the Creative Academy and Ugo La Pietra. Their works have been exhibited at the Milan Triennale and they often collaborate with the Politecnico di Milano. www.lafucinadiefesto.com
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