Furnishing quality
projects, including tailor-made items, for hotels, private homes, villas, residences and offices worldwide. We work with renowned architects and interior designers (Ed. among which Philippe Starck Studio), but thanks to our almost one hundred years of experience in the sector, we have always managed to avoid compromising on quality and style. Recently, our largest contract jobs have been for clients in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Russia, Greece, China, Germany and France. q. How important is it for you to participate in design events, even when they have no commercial purpose? I am thinking about your collaboration with Ugo La Pietra for the Abitare il Tempo exhibition in Verona: was it a one-off or did you develop other projects? A. Taking part in cultural events is always important because it contributes towards the development of our business, in Italy and abroad, both in terms of visibility and prestige. Our collaboration with architect Ugo La Pietra continues to be very significant: we have worked on a number of cultural events during Abitare il Tempo and also recently for an exhibition at the Milan Triennale. We are very much in tune with La Pietra’s approach to project development, as well as sharing a strong friendship that dates back to the days when we were all a bit “younger”. Apart from the cultural events, year after year the Salone del Mobile represents a very important opportunity for experimentation. Recently, we have worked with famous designers, including Aldo Cibic, Nigel Coates and Ferruccio Laviani. Q. When did you start introducing contemporary furniture into your product range? A. In the early eighties, after meeting architect Palatinus and his post-mod-
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Originally a producer of Louis XV, Louis XVI and Empire period furniture, Fratelli Boffi has developed a style that stays true to its origins and open to contemporary influences ern designs during a long period I spent in the United States. Before, our production was based on traditional and classic furniture, inspired by the Louis XV, Louis XVI and Empire styles. Since then, our goal has been to develop our business in a way that stays true to our traditions and craftsmanship and, at the same time, open to contemporary influences. Q. Your products are strongly connected with your heritage and designed by important names in Italian and international contemporary design. How do you reconcile these influences? A. We are currently developing many projects by Nigel Coates, Philippe Bestenheider, Ferruccio Laviani, Aldo Cibic and Piero Manara. By combining their creativity and our woodworking expertise and craftsmanship, over the years we have managed to successfully incorporate the lines and decorative styles of the past (which are harmonious and reassuring) with contemporary influences.
Top, Collage sofa (Ferruccio Laviani, 2012). The assembly of three styles results in one contemporary piece: a chesterfield with capitonné workmanship, a modern sofa and a sinuous Louis XV style chaise longue. Opposite page, Boffi’s sample collection (www.fratelliboffi.it).
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