Inspiration is around the corner : Experience a selection of the best Swiss craftsmanship through Homo Faber Guide

 

• Looking to discover Switzerland through new eyes?
• Searching for a one-of-a-kind bespoke handcrafted object?
• Curious to learn of atelier oï’s best kept addresses?
• Eager to see the rare techniques of one of the last shingle workers?
• Would you like to forge your own silver spoon or have a go at woodturning?

Homo Faber Guide places the world of fine craftsmanship in Europe at your fingertips. Experience excellence with access to a selection of the best master artisans, rising talents, galleries, ateliers, manufacturers and museums from all over the continent. The guide is created in collaboration with the international network of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship which provides local expertise, recommends, evaluates and endorses featured participants.

Rediscover Switzerland in a new light, revisiting your favourite places, enriched by new encounters and experiences. Follow the recommendations of our carefully selected Swiss city ambassadors and prestigious partner institutions to find hidden gems as they share the craftsmanship found on their doorsteps. Wherever you are in Switzerland, find courses around the corner to express your own creativity.

Within easy reach of Bern, follow in the footsteps of city ambassador atelier oï and head towards Lac de Neuchatel to discover the innovative techniques of printmaker Lorenz Boegli who pushes the technical boundaries of screen-printing to realise the wishes of the designers and artists with whom he collaborates. From here, be led to the workshop of Peter Fink near Fribourg, and see how he expresses his vision of the world through his colourful ceramics. Wind your way back to Bern and stop at gallery Linck to marvel at hundreds of Magrit Linck’s ceramic objects. Continue on to the edge of the Brienzersee to meet woodcarver Roman Räss and see for yourself why Métiers d’art Suisse recommended him.

Take the road north to Basel to the outskirts of the city to the workshop of silversmith Barbara Amstutz to try your hand at silversmithing through designing and forging your own silver spoon. A few villages away in Arlesheim, you will find Patrick Rapp, an artisan who is working wonders with wood, respecting the majesty and characteristics of the maple, oak and cherry trees from which he sources his raw material. Enjoy a unique experience by participating in one of his woodturning masterclasses for beginners. Head into the heart of the city to seek out the extraordinary vessels of ceramicist Arnold Annen, admire the skill required to create his paper-thin translucent porcelain pieces which have become his hallmark.

Head west to the shores of Lac Leman and discover designer Claudio Colucci’s Geneva. He will send you along the River Rhone in search of the atelier of gifted stone carver Vincent Du Bois. Learn how Vincent takes ancient techniques of marble carving deriving from the wealth of knowledge accumulated by his family, and adds to them his own contemporary twist with irony and humour. Next, be guided to the workshop of knife maker Charles Maurice Roulin and see how he approaches the creation of his handmade wildlife-inspired knives like an archaeologist. Whilst in Geneva, take the time to visit jewellery maker Igor Siebold or have a go at woodturning under the masterful gaze of Jérôme Blanc. Do not miss the chance to visit the Philippe Cramer Gallery and see up close a myriad of objects in multiple materials, handcrafted by the artisans with whom Cramer collaborates.
 

Wind your way along Lac Leman towards Vevey until you reach Chexbres, here you can put your hands to good use, learning blacksmithing in the workshop of Bertille Laguet. From here, upon the recommendation of Métiers d’art Suisse take a trip to the mountains above Bulle to meet Lucien Carrel who is one of the last remaining masters of shingle working. Watch how he makes the typical wood-shingled roofs characteristic of Swiss alpine chalets according to rural tradition. In keeping with the alpine theme, continue east to a small farming village in Zweisimmen to discover the artisanal universe of paper cutter Marc Schweizer and his miniature creations. Alternatively, upon the recommendation of Métiers d’art Suisse, go in search of ski maker Lucas Bessard to commission a pair of custom made skis. 

For jewellery lovers, it is worth meandering through Lugano, to the furthest corner of Ticino to visit the workshop of Vanni Pesciallo, where you will bedazzled and surprised by his diamond encrusted jewels. For admirers of glass, why not participate in an introduction to glass thermoforming organised by glass maker Françoise Bolli.

Create your own unique craftsmanship itinerary
You are the master; the guide is your tool.

From 17 September 2020,visit homofaber.com or download the app available for free on both Apple Store and Google Play Store. 

User guide:

Homo Faber Guide is structured into different sections: Discover, Visit, Experience and Ambassadors.

Discover: Find a selection of the best master artisans and rising talents, ateliers and manufacturers of excellence from all over Europe. Connect with them directly through the guide.

Visit: Find museums, galleries and shops linked to fine craftsmanship to visit in all corners of the continent.

Experience: Find a curated list of workshop visits, artisan master classes, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions and fairs across Europe.

Ambassadors: Renowned individuals and partner institutions within the craft, creativity and design world who recommend their favourite artisans, galleries and experiences in their home cities.

Subcategories: search by country, city, craft or material.