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ABOUT us
OUR JOURNEY TO ITALY
Our clients are increasingly interested in ORIGIN.
Acquiring collections driven by their interest in
WHERE they come from,
WHO made them and WHY.
Thus creating a more diverse, distinct and timeless narrative to their designs.
It is where modernity lies and it will always be relevant.
Our journey to Italy began with serving private clients, creating lighting and fixtures for prestigious fashion houses.
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We recognized the significance of unveiling the narrative behind these traditional Italian stone carving roots dating back to 1895 and approach the work of the studio putting the emphasis on the unhurried, methodical art of handmade craftsmanship. Bringing quality, know-how and artisanship back at the center of the conversation.
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 our artisans to blend age-old techniques with contemporary design, embodying the spirit of our ethos. It is our ongoing commitment to support it through design around the world.
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Each Orphan Work piece moves through many hands in its creation; a collaborative rigor of small artisans imbued with the soul of Italy. Every creation is unique, carrying the essence of generations. It's not uncommon to find a grandfather, father, and daughter working together in our workshops.
Our fascination with alabaster grew as we uncovered its roots in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In the Renaissance era, distinguished Italian sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini utilized alabaster to create sculptures, highlighting the mineral's captivating translucent quality. 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.
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As you explore our collection, we encourage you to hold these notes close to your heart. The work exemplifies our conviction that integrating aesthetic inspiration from the past with a focus on traditional craft ultimately yields designs that are timeless.
Thank you for being a part of our Made in Italy story.
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Sincerely,
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Lauren and Christian, Founders
The WHERE
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.
Much like marble, alabaster undergoes millions of years of formation, and it’s the very nature of the stone that shapes its pattern.
This unique pattern is it's record.
It is sourced from Northern 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.
The WH0
We identify as a cooperativa. Our artisans are driven by a fervor of the handmade that spans generations and is the core of their legacy. It's not uncommon to find a grandfather, father, and daughter working together in our workshops set against the backdrop of Tuscany’s ancient history dating back to the 8th Century BC.
15 of our artisans have been honored as maestro. The MOST in the WORLD.
These awards are from the Italian government and further solidifies their status in the artisans world. To achieve this they must go through a rigorous set of curriculum.
Their accolades and diplomas adorn the walls of the school they started where the younger generation receives mentorship in the art of working with alabaster. A steadfast commitment is ingrained in passing down the wealth of craft knowledge to ensure its legacy.
The WHY
Every piece tells a story. We recognized the significance of unveiling the narrative behind these traditional Italian craft roots dating back to 1895. Not one part is absent of intent.
The unhurried and methodical art of making things with your hands, with local materials, remains the soul of our studio. It is our ongoing commitment to support it through design around the world.
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.