Gianfranco Frattini ieri, oggi, domani

During Milan Design Week 2023, set in the frescoed spaces of Palazzo Borromeo in Cesano Maderno (Italy) this exhibition itinerary narrates the timeless design of Gianfranco Frattini, showing archival materials, contemporary re-editions and inspiration for the future.

To explore the work of Gianfranco Frattini through the decades – this is the intent of the exhibition “Gianfranco Frattini: ieri, oggi, domani” (yesterday, today, tomorrow), promoted by the Municipality of Cesano Maderno in collaboration with the Studio Archive Gianfranco Frattini and installation design by the architect’s daughter, architect Emanuela Frattini. From April 14 to May 14 2023 the frescoed rooms of the 17th century Palazzo Arese Borromeo in Cesano Maderno (Italy) will host original period pieces from the archives of collectors, re-editions produced by today’s design manufacturers and experimentations that are opening up to new interpretations.

Also part of the exhibition is a selection of sketchbooks as well as reproductions of original drawings for interiors’ projects, thanks to the collaboration of CSAC - Study Center and Communications Archive of the University of Parma and the Milan Politecnico University.

The encounter with the maestro therefore takes place unexpectedly not in Milan, but in Brianza, a region that was particularly dear to the architect, a forge of artisans and master craftsmen with whom he collaborated his entire life, and of companies with whom he developed lasting relationships giving shape to his design ideals. It is exactly in this location that now Frattini’s creativity comes back to light, as a testament to his deep connection with this region and to how his work has the capacity to pass the tests of time and style.

As it happens with every classic:
 it is current yesterday, today and tomorrow.

In the historic spaces of the palazzo drawings, archival objects and vintage pieces are set next to current re-editions on the displays fabricated by Ebanisteria Kora; items by Acerbis, Cassina, CB2, Ceccotti, Poltrona Frau and Tacchini, together with light fixtures by Arteluce, Artemide, FontanaArte, Gubi and Luci. The reinterpretation of Frattini’s tenets will be manifest also in the textile-clad accordion doors, a joint effort by Dooor and Torri Lana, with the contribution of Emanuela Frattini who has developed her own original design path starting from her father’s heritage.

“This exhibition on the oeuvre of Gianfranco Frattini represents a moving snapshot of his work” – explains Emanuela Frattini – “A window of our memory that looks out over the present, extending the glance towards the future of his legacy”.

“The uniqueness of a great master like Frattini” – says the Mayor of Cesano Maderno, Gianpiero Bocca – “reflects the uniqueness of Brianza, land of design, where extraordinary manufacturing realities have taken shape, known today throughout the world. With this exhibition Palazzo Borromeo affirms itself as a lively exhibition venue, with particular attention to the promotion of its regional culture”.