Tucked away in the quiet charm of Chiavari , among cobbled paths and the gentle hum of artisan life, I had the rare pleasure of meeting one of Italy’s true creative treasures: Franco Casoni. Known for his extraordinary work in sculpture and his deep connection to wood and tradition, Casoni welcomed us into his workshop. The space felt more like a living museum than a studio.
As I stepped through the doors, I were immediately enveloped by the rich scent of wood shavings and the quiet intensity of creativity at work. Every corner of the workshop spoke of decades of dedication to craft. And there, in the heart of it all, was Franco Casoni himself with a warm smile. Despite his reputation and the reverence that surrounds his name, Franco was incredibly humble and welcoming. He spoke about his work with the ease of someone who has spent a lifetime doing what he loves, yet his passion was unmistakably alive. He shared stories of his techniques, his inspirations, and even how Chiavari itself plays a role in the soul of his art.
Also his dedication to preserving and promoting the Chiavari chair tradition is further exemplified by his collaboration with Segno Italiano, where he and his son Jacopo produced a collection of Chiavari chairs, blending historical techniques with contemporary design. Incase you don not know. 'Sedia Chiavarina' - the Chiavari wooden chair is known worldwide as being a lightweight but robust piece of furniture which was originally created in 1807 by Gaetano Descalzi. Luckily, I had the chance to lift a Chiavari chair with just my little finger - proof of its remarkable lightness - and later sat on one to enjoy a coffee at Caffè Defilla in Chiavari, a proud member of Locali Storici d’Italia. It truly felt like stepping back in time.
The highlight of my visit was an iconic picture we took together. He gravitated towards me and with a wide smile asked that we sit and take a picture partly because his latest half-finished sculpture was a wooden image of a lady with my physognomy. It wasn’t just a snapshot, it captured the spirit of the moment: timeless craft, genuine hospitality, and a shared appreciation for artistry.
Meeting Franco Casoni wasn’t just an encounter with an artist. It was a rare, intimate glimpse into the heart of Italian craftsmanship. If you ever find yourself in Chiavari , take a detour to Franco Casoni Intagliatore at No 73 Via Bighetti, you may just walk into one of the most quietly inspiring places you’ll ever see. Bear in mind, he works on commission so you might not be able to get an off the rack sculpture. But if you’re lucky, Franco might greet you with the same twinkle in his eye, a story in his voice, and a memory you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left.
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