Interview with Gian Piero Santin, founder of ARTE & STILI
Italy has a long history of ceramic production. Fire, clay, enamels, and manual craftsmanship remains the essential ingredients employed in the finest pottery workshops of Vietri, and Arte & Stili works with this local tradition of handmade ceramics. The decoration is composed by hand, using figures and patterns reflecting our Italian Mediterranean culture. This quality of this craftsmanship and production makes each handcrafted item a unique work of art.
Gian Piero Santin, the founder of ARTE & STILI Limited, was established in 2015 in London to provide interior design and architectural solutions that propose using ”Vietri” artisanal ceramics.
Architect Gian Piero Santin interview
Why did you open a shop in London?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a few refurbishment projects of apartments in London. I suggested using Vietri ceramics, which was a great success.
Vietri is a small town on the Amalfi coast where ceramic production has a long tradition passed down from generation to generation. The art of ceramics in southern Italy dates to the time of the Etruscans in the 5th century B.C. In the Middle Ages, ceramic production was a source of prosperity of the numerous pottery centers around Salerno. In the 1700s, the production of the “RIGGIOLE” floor tiles (typical Majolica) increased considerably, and these were traded throughout the Mediterranean basin. Riggiole tiles are different from the Neapolitan tiles due to their lighter colors. In these years to follow, I have continued my dream of exporting the beauty of our local economy. Now that this has become a reality, I am proud of my minimal contribution to globally sharing this historical ceramic tradition.
How did you start?
I opened a shop not far from Covent Garden with an exhibition of carefully selected ceramic tiles of top quality and distinctive character. My focus was to propose products that can create an Italian feeling into indoor and outdoor spaces, giving them a unique and vibrant touch.
Thanks to our artists and artisans, we can offer ceramic tiles tailored in shape, thickness, and all ranges of colors. Also, the decorative motives shown in the catalog are customizable according to specific design ideas. All our products are hand-decorated by leading master artists who use a dense brush of color to make each piece unique and unrepeatable.
Arte & Stili is a company specializing in the supply of top-quality and bespoke handmade ceramic tiles, artifacts, and crockery sets. We provide a comprehensive range of stunning products with traditional and contemporary patterns and designs.
What is your point of view on the future of design?
The future of design is undoubtedly positive. Almost all of us are attracted to well-designed products. Materials such as Vietri ceramic tiles are certainly a style that has lasted, and the ceramics impress the viewer with the warmth transmitted.
