Liberty Style was the Italian version of Art Nouveau, literally named after the iconic interiors emporium Liberty, on London’s regent street, founded by Aurthur Liberty in 1875. Also known as stile floreale and as you might imagine, the Italians brought an extra flourish to their take on Art Nouveau.

Recently I’ve been in a happy online rabbit warren, researching one particular metalwork designer Pier Luigi Colli. It began after realising my bootsale bargain, a new (old) bathroom mirror, is by him. I had no idea when I bought it but since my Liberty love is deep-rooted, it should have come as no surprise to learn that the Colli family’s furniture business had been integral to the evolution of Italian Liberty Style.

Forging their curling toleware in turn-of-the-century Turin, Italy, the family would soon have an heir, Pier, whose work took that style into modernity. Pier studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and then produced his designs throughout the mid-century from the 1920s right into the 60’s. So it's not wildly rare but there is really nothing else like it either.

When I first saw his work I didn’t like it, and that’s often how it begins with finding something unique. (For me anyway). I thought it was ‘maybe too curly?’ but I couldn’t stop looking and the thoughtful craftmanship, the unusual hammered surfaces… the details, the playfulness... and before I knew it I was in love.