Fornasetti

I first became infatuated by the work of Piero Fornasetti while living in a flat in Notting Hill. The landlord was an interior decorator who furnished the flat in an eclectic manner worthy of "World of Interiors" magazine. There was an amphitheater coffee table with a glass top designed by Fornasetti in the living room. I loved it.

Piero Fornasetti was a Milanese painter, sculptor, interior decorator, engraver of books and a creator of more than 11,000 items, many featuring the face of a woman, Lina Cavalieri. When asked why he created more than 500 variations on the face of the same woman, he admitted he didn't know but once he started, he could never stop.

His style was eclectic for sure, but was reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, from which he was heavily influenced. Common features in his work included the sun and time and the heavy use of black and white.

Fornasetti designed a magical world, filled with image, color, whimsy and wit. His work was admired and featured by Gio Ponti.

Fornasetti's son, Barnaba, is perpetuating the Fornasetti tradition by continuing to produce, and revive, Fornasetti designs.

These are some of my favorites found on 1stdibs.com and Unica Home. I found my coffee table (but I wish it wasn't $7,500).