The Real Thing. Since 1895.
COOPERATIVA
Our journey to Italy began with serving private clients, creating lighting and fixtures for prestigious fashion houses in Milan. ​
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We identify as a cooperative. Our core belief lies in the inseparable bond between artisan and designer. This partnership is not just important; it’s the very essence of our studio. We depend on them to blend design with age-old techniques without sacrificing the traditional heritage or production values.
Our fascination with alabaster grew as we uncovered its roots in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures employed alabaster to craft a diverse range of items – from jars and bowls to vases.
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In the Renaissance era, alabaster retained its significance for sculpting and ornamental pieces. Distinguished Italian sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini utilized alabaster to create stunning sculptures, highlighting the mineral’s captivating translucent quality.
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Then, the iconic Pierre Chareau revived the alabaster industry in the 1920's Art Deco period culminating in the participation at the 1925 International Exposition of the Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts from Paris. ​​
Our alabaster undergoes millions of years of formation, recovered from underground quarries in Northern Italy, an area renowned as the pinnacle of alabaster excellence.
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The valuable areas are assessed through core sampling and depth calculations, which then determine the inclinations of the tunnels.
The tunnels and galleries of the quarries, reaching depths of up to 280 meters, and intertwine densely for dozens of kilometers throughout the area. Their layout has been recorded for centuries on a single large map. ​​​​​​​​​​
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The abundant natural deposits in the region are globally recognized for their exceptional qualities, including compactness, transparency, intricate veins, and exceptional hardness. ​​
​Blocks are prepared for the hands of skilled master artisans who then meticulously turned each shape from the solid stone revealing a flawlessly pure-white translucency complemented by subtle brown accents.
It's the very nature of the stone that shapes its pattern. This intricate pattern is only revealed through the process of carving away. Impossible to predict, but a record of its journey. These ancient, traditional stone carving techniques have roots dating back to 1895.
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The found size informs each design ensuring every light is without seams.
ORIGINS
Our clients are increasingly interested in origin. Acquiring collections driven by their interest in where they come from, who made them and why.
Our artisans perpetuate centuries-old traditions that lie at the core of their legacy, driven by a fervor for craftsmanship that spans generations. It’s not uncommon to find a grandfather, father, and daughter working together in our workshops.​
For centuries the Italian industry was predominantly men. Women were confined to only polish the final stonework. This was true until the 1980s. Today, female artisans are at the forefront and work in all aspects of our Italian alabaster fabrication.
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In a world smitten by ‘fast fashion,’ our focus lies on the unhurried, methodical art of handmade craftsmanship. Each Orphan Work piece moves through many hands in its creation, a collaborative rigor of artisans imbued with the soul of Italy. Every creation is unique, carrying the essence of generations. Every shape is an ancestral shape retaining the mark of the maestro. The protectors of the history our ancestors gave us.
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Our artisans wish to convey the message that they are not part of an assembly line. Instead, each fixture is meticulously crafted by a sole artisan in a small shop, set against the backdrop of Tuscany’s ancient history dating back to the 8th Century BC.
There are only 17 maestros in the world. 15 of them are making your Orphan Work lights. These awards are from the Italian government and further solidify their status in the artisan world. To achieve this they must go through a rigorous set of curriculum of skill and knowledge. A steadfast commitment ingrained in passing down the wealth of craft knowledge to ensure its legacy.
LEGACY
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Make Italian craftsmanship a part of your story and be a part of the commitment to support it through design around the world. A celebration of the unhurried, methodical art of the handmade. It still exists.​
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Every shape is an ancestral shape retaining the mark of the maestro. The protectors of the history our ancestors gave us.
Made in Italy. The Real Thing. Since 1895.
to the trade
A beautiful, authentic way to stay connected and inspired together. As a member of our trade program you'll be the first to know about new arrivals from Italy, as well as get a note from the studio or our artisans.
It's a really special look inside our Made in Italy story.