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At the upcoming London Design Festival 2024, Gallery FUMI will present Nucleo, the debut solo exhibition of Tuscan craftsman Francesco Perini, marking 12 years of successful collaboration. On view from September 14 - 21, 2024, during the design event at FUMI’s Mayfair location, the show will unveil a new series of timeless and contemporary furniture designs highlighting Perini’s refined marquetry and his exceptional skill in inlaying metal and stone into aged Tuscan oak wood.
Perini was born near Florence, within the picturesque region of Arezzo, a place deeply rooted in the noble traditions of Tuscan craftsmanship. Inspired by his family’s legacy of skilled marquetry practitioners and his admiration for Florentine craftsmanship, Perini, from an early age, sought to engage with and advance the grand tradition of Italian art while forging a distinctly contemporary design workmanship.
The new body of work titled Nucleo ('nucleus' in Italian) encapsulates the essence of Perini’s artistic practice and his admiration for nature. In this exhibition at the design festival in London, Perini introduces seven table designs inspired by Desert Rose crystallisation—organic formations of crystallised minerals that have developed over hundreds of years in arid desert regions. They are characterised by circular, petal-like patterns formed around sand grains as its centre. Symbolising strength and resilience, the Desert Rose reflects the ability to endure harsh conditions for centuries.
Perini captures the beauty of this natural phenomenon by using seasoned wood as his canvas and his expertise in marquetry for the featured product designs in the show which will remain on view till October 24, 2024, at the design gallery. Following the fluid and organic lines of Desert Rose formations, the pieces feature harmonious inlays of locally sourced metal and stone within the wood, celebrating the natural beauty and unique contrasts of these materials.
Among the new creations at the design fair are three marble-inlaid pieces—a pair of compact side tables in oak and white Carrara marble, a moon-shaped bench in oak and Giada green marble and a dining table in oak and Fiori di Bosco marble. Additionally, Perini introduces a stunning new console, its innovative design characterised by geometric and angular forms and evoking the presence and strength of an altar.
The textured surface features intricate inlays of Canaletto walnut within a solid oak structure, appearing as if a tree has been artfully cut and folded, highlighting the wood's organic beauty. Another standout piece is the oval-shaped Nucleo coffee table crafted from oak and steel. The steel, intricately embedded within the oak, has an enveloping and captivating reflective quality. This unique design element catches and plays with light, creating an ever-changing and mesmerising visual experience. Perini has created two monumental wall cabinets made of oak and brass as part of the Nucleo series as well.
Each piece exemplifies Perini's ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, transforming furniture into captivating works of art. He fondly refers to his pieces as 'creatures' as they transcend mere functionality. They breathe, evolve and transform over time.
"When we first met Francesco, over 12 years ago, we were drawn to his approach and craftsmanship. We encouraged him to implement it on collectible design works for FUMI. We have always valued working with designers who reimagine traditional techniques through a contemporary lens and this presentation celebrates a remarkable and inspiring collaboration. It has been an immense privilege to see his creations grace some of the most beautiful homes in the world," comment FUMI founders Sam Pratt and Valerio Capo.
Perini’s works have been placed in prestigious residences and numerous international exhibitions, including the PAD in London, FOG Design+Art in San Francisco and Design Miami. He is represented internationally by Gallery FUMI. In 2022, Perini received the Contemporary Design Award from the judging panel at PAD London for his Casamona table.
In its 22nd edition, the London Design Festival—including its 11 design districts, partners and the design fair Material Matters—stirs the city with a dynamic programme of installations, exhibitions, workshops, talks and more. Follow STIR at London Design Festival 2024, as we continue to bring the best of the festival's offerings as media partners along with our own initiatives across the city, including our partners Shoreditch Design Triangle, Mayfair, the Global Design Forum, and more across Brompton, Battersea, Chelsea, Dalston to Stokey and Bankside.
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