Bottega Veneta Chiswick House: Northern Italy in West London

Tomas Maier chooses Palladian masterpiece to celebrate Italian artisanship in London

757_01_bvch_photo_david_churchill.jpg

For one night only, Bottega Veneta moved into Chiswick House, West London, last week for a celebration of North Italian savoir-faire. In true style, the luxury brand honoured both its country of origin - the event was catered by Giorgio Locatelli and guests dressed in Bottega Veneta finery added helpings of sprezzatura – and its artisanal expertise, as craftsmen demonstrated expert techniques. This includes the complex intrecciato weaving; since the 1960s, the entwining leather bands have been the brand's trademark finish and is today mastered at its purpose-built ateliers in Montebello Vicentino. The event's location, too, mirrored the brand's famous attention to detail: requiring two years of construction to be completed in 1729, the all-white and cupola-topped villa is an homage to master architect Andrea Palladio, created and designed by Richard Boyle the 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork in partnership with William Kent. Coming full circle, Andrea Palladio was born in Padua in 1508 and spent his lifetime in the Veneto region; local buildings such as the Teatro Olimpico and the Villa La Rotonda are the architect's inspirations, which include classical Greek and Roman temples, made concrete – or, in his case, white marble and stone. The architect's works are within driving distance of Vicenza, the Birthplace of 1966 established Bottega Veneta. “Palladio is an endless source of inspiration”, explained Maier post-event. “He began as an artisan, immersed himself in the study of classical forms, and then applied that knowledge to the creation of lasting, innovative design.”

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More