Down a nondescript side street in the centre of Zona Torntona, a golden robot greets you into the crazy metal workshop Traviganti. A shiny tangle of doily-like filigree and oversized wonderland objects: giant gold-plated coffee pots, running horses, egg-shaped urns, and other fanciful creations wrought in brass, aluminium and silver by slightly bemused looking artisans. It is a surprise to find this warren of dusty machinery, skilled craftsmanship and ancient techniques, apparently ignoring passing design trends. But the main pull is the blue-eyed trundling robotic waitress Caterina, who follows you round the factory floor in a disconcertingly addictive way.
Carlo Traviganti di Riccardo
LavorazioneArtistica Metallo
Via Novi 5/7
Words & image: Tamsin van Essen