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Made in Italy

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YEARS IN
THE MAKING

Our journey to Italy began with serving private clients, creating lighting and fixtures for prestigious fashion houses. 

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Having completed a decade of our journey, we recognized the significance of unveiling the narrative behind the art of craftsmanship.

A quality story, since 1895. 

A stack of roughly cut sheets of alabaster leans against a wall in a beam of sunlight.

Every year, we make it a point to spend our summers alongside our artisans in Tuscany. This year, we decided to capture these moments in photographs for the very first time.

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These connections have always held a special place for us, something we’ve kept guarded and shielded, hesitant to reveal. Yet, they are profoundly cherished and cultivated. Now, they’ve transformed into an integral part of our extended family. 

OUR JOURNEY

Orphan Work logo
A craftsman in Italy working in a dusty workshop with stone carving tools.
An old plaster building with a window on the side in Tuscany.

COOPERATIVA

We identify as a cooperative. Our core belief lies in the inseparable bond between artisan and designer. This partnership is not just important; it’s the very essence of our studio. We depend on them to blend age-old techniques with contemporary design, embodying the spirit of our ethos.

A quarter sphere of white alabaster sitting on a dusty table with tools in an Italian workshop.

ORIGINS

These ancient, traditional carving techniques have roots dating back to 1895. 

A collection of dusty alabaster carving tools and pencil drawings of arms and hands.

Our artisans perpetuate centuries-old traditions that lie at the core of their legacy, driven by a fervor for craftsmanship that spans generations. It’s not uncommon to find a grandfather, father, and daughter working together in our workshops.

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Our contemporary artisan’s journey began when a retired craftsman unexpectedly entered her modest workshop and handed over his tools. To this day, she uses these very tools diligently in crafting our pieces.

A craftsman in Italy working in a dusty workshop with stone carving tools.

In a world smitten by ‘fast fashion,’ our focus lies on the unhurried, methodical art of handmade craftsmanship. Each creation is unique, carrying the essence of generations. Our affinity for historically significant design is evident. 

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Our artisans wish to convey the message that they are not part of an assembly line. Instead, each fixture is meticulously crafted by a sole artisan in a small shop, set against the backdrop of Tuscany’s ancient history dating back to the 8th Century BC. 

UNHURRIED

LEGACY

Within our community of artisans, a small school is pivotal, providing mentor ship to the younger generation in the delicate craft of alabaster work. 

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A steadfast commitment is ingrained in passing down the wealth of craft knowledge to ensure its legacy.

An artisan polishing a piece of alabaster.

The distinct pattern on each light fixture is shaped by the inherent qualities of the stone itself, brought to life through the expert use of artisan stone techniques. Our work exemplifies our conviction that integrating aesthetic inspiration from the past with a focus on traditional craftsmanship ultimately yields designs that are timeless.

 

Our alabaster, a result of millions of years of natural formation, is sourced from Volterra, Italy – renowned as the pinnacle of alabaster excellence. 

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The abundant natural deposits in the region are globally recognized for their exceptional qualities, including compactness, transparency, intricate veins, and exceptional hardness. 

Large stacked slabs of alabaster in a concrete warehouse.

STONE
AS RECORD

Guided by the hands of skilled master artisans, each piece is meticulously turned from solid stone, revealing a flawlessly pure, chalk-white translucency complemented by subtle brown accents.

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Two alabaster cones sitting on a dusty table in an Italian workshop.

Much like marble, alabaster undergoes millions of years of formation, and it’s the very nature of the stone that shapes its pattern. This intricate pattern is only revealed through the process of carving away.

An old-world room with beige plaster walls and a terra cotta floor features a chain-hung pendant light with five white alabaster lampshades.

Our fascination with alabaster grew as we uncovered its roots in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures employed alabaster to craft a diverse range of items – from jars and bowls to vases. 

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In the Renaissance era, alabaster retained its significance for sculpting and ornamental pieces. Distinguished Italian sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini utilized alabaster to create stunning sculptures, highlighting the mineral’s captivating translucent quality. 

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Then, the iconic Pierre Chareau revived the alabaster industry in the 1920's Art Deco period culminating in the participation at the 1925 International Exposition of the Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts from Paris. 

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FASCINATION

Alabaster and brass lighting fixture on a dusty workshop table.

ALABASTRO

As you explore our collection, we encourage you to hold these notes close to your heart.

Celebrate the unhurried, methodical art of handmade Italian craftsmanship that yields designs that are timeless. 

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Made in Italy. The Real Thing. Since 1895.

An old-world Italian dining room with a wooden credenza and vintage silver candlesticks, enhanced by a hand-carved alabaster pendant light hanging from the ceiling.

to the trade

A beautiful, authentic way to stay connected and inspired together. As a member of our trade program you'll be the first to know about new arrivals from Italy, as well as get a note from the studio or our artisans.

 

It's a really special look inside our Made in Italy story.

 

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