The multidisciplinary artist founded his atelier, which is globally recognised for the design and decoration of timeless objects and pieces of furniture, in the 1940s.

A painter, sculptor, interior decorator and printer of art books, he was encouraged by his friend and client Gio Ponti to apply his artistic drawings to furniture and accessories. Such was his design flair and prolific output that he created over 13,000 objects during his lifetime.

Piero defined his creations as “nourishment for the imagination”, paving the way for the production of objects that transcend mere functionality.

Imagination has long been a central tenet: the ability to draw freely from any element that might be a potential source of inspiration. It has allowed the atelier to develop its limitless visual imagination, refusing to accept creative boundaries and refuting labels and trends.

For the past 30 years Piero’s son Barnaba has been at the helm as artistic director and guardian of his father’s legacy and it is thanks to him that Fornasetti’s reach today is so wide-ranging.

For Barnaba, no form of artistic creation is exempt: he is relentless in his questioning and research, influencing the brand to expand the application of decorative art beyond the design and production of products and into other cultural initiatives such as theatre sets, exhibitions, poetry, fashion and music.

La “follia pratica” or a practical madness, is the starting point, a fusion of inspiration and functionality that is expressed in everyday objects: pieces that deftly weave irony, nostalgia, metaphors and allusions together allowing furniture, accessories and porcelain to become conversation pieces. Still housed at Casa Fornasetti, the brand’s archives include over 80 years of history and tell the story of its artistic evolution over time.