The Walt Chair is a unique piece of designer furniture, one in which the artisanal excellence of De Castelli and the refined style of Giampiero Bodino come together, deeply transforming the meaning of the chair from a functional object into an object of affection, sending an undeniable message of inclusivity, closeness and connection.

With many allusive names (vis à vis, courting bench, tête à tête, chaperone chair, gossip chair, le confident, etc.) this neoclassical piece of furniture was once widespread in England and France. It alludes to polite society, designed specifically to allow for conversation while maintaining a respectable distance: the back/armrest creates an ‘S’, which divides the two mirrored seats and makes conversation possible while avoiding physical contact.

Bodino’s chair for De Castelli is a sophisticated reference to this object, though it completely overturns the original logic of its use. Instead of separating, it unites: the chair is composed of two single identical elements defined by soft, symmetrical curves, designed to nestle perfectly and create a sinuous and welcoming composition which invites people to engage in an empathetic relationship.

Entirely in brass, the Walt Chair combines polished thicker elements with a brushed finish on the seat and backrest, creating a suggestive interplay of variations and reflections. With intensely sculptural impact, the compositional and textural result embodies the original expressive language of Bodino and represents the technical know-how of De Castelli, whose expertise in innovation and research gives it the ability to interpret visionary concepts, transforming them into works of art.

Within the framework of Homo Faber, Albino Celato, CEO of De Castelli, was honored by the Cologni Foundation, in partnership with ALMA, with the prestigious Impresa dei Mestieri d’Arte recognition, bestowed upon companies that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in their production and are therefore promoters of the Art Crafts. The awards ceremony took place on Sunday 29th September in the venues of the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice.

Tracing Venice: A mosaic work of art crafted from metal | Curated by Zanellatto/Bortotto and De Castelli

These works represent the patient and incessant work carried out over time on the decorations of St. Mark and are an authentic and sincere tribute to the lagoon city, describing its fragility but also its resilience in resisting the erosive force of the sea.

St. Mark’s Basilica is the cornerstone of the lagoon city, and it is perhaps the point most exposed and affected by the rising tide. Entering, you discover a treasure at our feet: the marvellous 12th-century polychrome mosaics that cover more than 2000 square metres of flooring. A complex and elaborate set of ornamental mosaic motifs with a profound symbolic meaning. A timeless work that encompasses distant worlds and stories.

The project recounts the designs of St. Mark’s mosaics by tracing the signs of deterioration and wear, enhanced by the shades and oxidations of the metal. In each piece, a story is told that makes the imperfection of the material a fundamental element to reflect on the importance of a fragile asset to be preserved at any cost.

Copper, brass and steel acquire multi-coloured hues and a range of extraordinary finishes in which oxidation, erosion, and brushwork transform into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of variations. Geometric shapes and colours take the form of a mosaic where differing textures alternate, meld and multiply, almost as if they were living materials.