Why did you choose to specialise in chairs specifically?
My great grandfather made seats for cinemas. I never met him but I was fascinated by his work. I think of the chair as a versatile object: we use it for multiple purposes but, more broadly, it represents occupying a space in time.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I love architecture, that’s why I chose to place Florence’s architectonic masterpieces on my chairs. But originally I got the idea by sitting down in Santo Spirito square: I envisioned the church as the backrest and the churchyard as the seat.
©SAVIOFIRMINO
How is your craft linked to your city?
During the Renaissance, artisans and carpenters in particular opened their workshops in San Frediano and Santo Spirito (which is where I come from), providing service to the noble homes around the Medici’s Palazzo Pitti. These neighbourhoods are still the heart of Florentine craftmanship.
How do you combine tradition and innovation in your work?
Craftmanship has always benefited from innovation – knives, saws, crank drills, electric drills…Today I sometimes use CNC machines. Whilst the human hand and eye cannot be replaced, it is interesting to use the contemporary technology available.