PALAZZO COLLEZIONI PRIVATE COLLECTION
Palazzo Collezioni has engaged exclusively with Venetian manufacturers to create and commission pieces for the luxury market in Australia. Stunning homages to the mythologies of Italy, with an emphasis on form and anatomy, the handmade pieces represent classicism at its finest, crafted by masters using the ‘old ways’.
LUXURY LIGHTING
Free from the rush and disruption of the rest of the world, Venice has existed as a microcosm in which quintessential skills and crafts can be perfected. With the luxury of time and tradition on their side, Barovier & Toso have a seven-century-long heritage of creating breathtaking glass products and elegant lighting solutions. Using revolutionary techniques such as ‘Rostrato’ where the glass pinched, an iconic style dating back centuries and with exclusive rights to Venetian Crystal, Barovier & Toso has a famed reputation as industry leaders.
Having witnessed every trend since 1295, their work encapsulates much of human history and includes Baroque, Art Deco, and contemporary pieces. These stunning collections are showcased in many showrooms, making the factory a museum of Italian lights. Showcasing floor lamps with exquisite Murano glass stands, artistic wall sconces and a four-level chandelier, each piece is crafted ‘mano volante’, or by hand by a single master glassmaker assisted by his apprentices.
The canals of Venice house many wonders rarely seen off the continent. The exquisite detailing by wrought iron smiths within the city is the result of skills and traditions passed down for generations. From large Baroque style chandeliers to wall scones and sculptural wall art, the smiths use only the best materials, including local Murano glassblowers. Each smith has a favourite, and the glass is blown into the iron frame with incredible precision.
Perfected by masters over centuries, Venetian wrought iron smiths produce outstanding pieces unique to the city and representative of the rich cultures that have influenced it. With exclusive access to the best ateliers in the region, Michael has the pleasure of bringing these authentic Italian masterpieces to your home.
TEXTILES
One such artistry is traditional manufacturer Fortuny Fabrics. Only seen in homes that understand true luxury, their products are known for their spectacular silk mimicking qualities. Exclusive to Palazzo Collezioni on the Australian Market, this phenomenon has a luxuriously textured finish that performs like silk but retains the durability and practicality of cotton.
Created from a strictly guarded, secret family recipe, their beautiful cloth is perfect for dramatic drapery. Fortuny understands the importance of continuing the craft and taking prodigious care of their traditions and the results, handling all products with gloved hands and closely studying each pattern to ensure smooth transitions and consistent style.
ITALIAN ART AND SCULPTURE
Intricate Gondola wings, St Marcos Lions and Horses, and mythological symbols of cherubs and dolphins are lovingly crafted, polished and mounted on marble bases. Using top-quality bronze, the sculptural pieces exist as more than art, often incorporated into the home as hardware. Modern doorbells and breathtaking door knockers, as well as newels and balustrades, are seen throughout Italy’s most prestigious hotels and homes and come from the small foundries along Venice’s canals and laneways.
Michael has worked closely with the with the artisans to create pieces for the Palazzo Collezioni private collection. These special fixtures and sculptures are meticulously designed and then hand made from the finest quality brass. Finally, polished to gleam like the sun.
The Palazzo Collezioni Private Collections currently house the beautiful fixtures and finishes sourced during Michael Chard’s latest trip to Venice. Alongside the valuable antiques and iconic furniture restored and finished by Michael Chard’s personal archive of textiles, styles and taste.
