Take time out in an enchanting sanctuary at Homo Faber 2022 

Relax with refreshments in a tea room filled with furniture and decorative objects by makers and designers from around the world – a space exploring the relationship craftsmanship has with our everyday lives.

Portrait of Curator Tapiwa Matsinde – Laila Pozzo©Michelangelo Foundation 

·        A working tea room that blends the practicality of a dining space with the creative intentions of an exhibition

·        Visitors can relax surrounded by functional and decorative objects of exquisite craftsmanship, created by international designers and makers

·        The objects highlight innovative techniques alongside traditional skills that have been given a new lease of life

Visitors to Homo Faber Event 2022 in Venice will be able to take time out from exploring the other exhibition spaces to relax in a tea room that is an immersive exhibition in itself. In The Artisan: a crafted tea room, enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or some light food in a room furnished and decorated with iconic pieces by designers and artisans from all over the world. Carefully curated, this crafted tea room creates a sense of wonder through everyday gestures like sitting, relaxing and enjoying a tea, and explores the relationship craftsmanship has with our everyday lives.

Inspired by the traditional concept of the tea room created by enterprising 19th century women who would open up their living rooms to guests willing to pay for tea and cake, curator Tapiwa Matsinde creates a room which blends the personal touch of an interior with the practicality and functionality of a dining space and the creative intentions of an exhibition presentation. Here, visitors can take refreshments while interacting with everyday objects by independent artisans, designers, artists and renowned manufacturers from around the world. Admire the evocative ceramic Plumage vases of Botteganove (Italy), the Pavone armchairs, designed by Marc Ange for Visionnaire (Italy) – a tribute to beauty and art design – the nature-inspired sculptures of metalworker Claire Malet (United Kingdom), beautiful bistro tables made of heritage stone by Salvatori (Italy), and many other exquisitely crafted items of furniture, tableware and decoration by international makers.

An immersive experience, The Artisan: a crafted tea room invites visitors to get up close to the objects adorning the space, therefore creating a personal connection and instilling a greater appreciation of the skill, time, care and attention to detail that has gone into crafting the exquisite objects surrounding them.

Highlighting the role of craftsmanship in design and art, the pieces decorating the tea room impart the precious stories and customs of diverse cultures, which get to live on through these objects. From carved mythical figures on a chess set to woven ceremonial textiles applied to chair upholstery, heritage crafts are showcased in a contemporary setting, helping to preserve them for the next generation.

In addition to the main dining area, which offers a picturesque view over the lagoon, The Artisan: a crafted tea room also includes an intimate lounge offering an inspiring selection of reading materials paying homage to the Fondazione Giorgio Cini’s rich heritage of learning and knowledge. Adding to the tea room’s charm, a dedicated games area provides a billiards table and exquisitely crafted table-top games crafted by artisans including Naseer Yasna and Hedieh Wojgani of Lazo Studios (United Kingdom), and Nat Wilms and Andrea Zambelli of Hillsideout (Italy). Lastly, an indoor garden will lend the room an air of enchantment.

“A space where the goodness of natural, healthy food provides nourishment for the body, while the beauty of craftsmanship and design provides nourishment for the soul” – Tapiwa Matsinde

The Artisan: a crafted tea room is set in the Truss Pavilion at Fondazione Giorgio Cini. It is one of 15 exhibitions that comprise Homo Faber Event 2022, organised by the Michelangelo Foundation.