Christofle-Gio Ponti Collection Makes US Debut

Oct. 21, 2008 - PRLog -- A Legendary Campaign: Christofle and Gio Ponti in New York at Last
A Fifty Year Partnership Makes its US Debut

October 15, 2008 (New York, NY): In April 2008, Christofle's Gio Ponti collection premiered to critical acclaim in a special exhibit at the Milan Triennale.  On October 24th, Christofle's revered collection is set to make its much-anticipated American debut during the New York Tabletop Show.  Twenty-one of Gio Ponti's pieces, some of which are in production for the very first time, have recently arrived from Paris and will be on display at Christofle's New York showroom.

During his lifetime, Gio Ponti was one of the most important architects in Italian design. He achieved international success as a leading world designer, a legacy that has remained solid for years after his death in 1979.  Known best for his aesthetically superior architecture, Gio Ponti’s influence also extended into industrial and furniture design, publishing and art.  The Christofle-Gio Ponti collection speaks as a testament to Ponti’s lasting artistic authority, combining his architectural genius with Christofle’s unparallel mastery of silver craft.

The outstanding Milanese premiere of the new line did much to create buzz worthy press throughout Europe and the U.S. Signature pieces from the lauded collection have already been featured in recent issues of the New York Times, Metropolitan Home, and Town & Country. The new collection draws from Gio Ponti and Christofle's celebrated past by once again producing the designer’s extraordinary, world-renowned objets d’art. Christofle has also put into production new, never before seen works that are based on the master architect’s archived sketches.

Among the more iconic pieces at the exhibit will be the angular, v-shaped Volo Centerpieces; the sensual floating Tubi Vase; the Architettura tray whose hexagonal shape also appears in Ponti’s Pirelli Tower in Milan; and the celebrated intertwined art deco Fleche Candelabra.

The remarkable nature of the collection speaks to the inspiring 50-year collaboration between Christofle and Gio Ponti.  The now-legendary partnership began in 1925 when Gio Ponti and Tony Bouilhet, Christofle director and heir, met fortuitously at an exhibition for the Decorative Arts in Paris. Gio Ponti had enormous respect for Christofle and from 1928 to 1978 the designer and architect worked with the well-known silversmith on multiple projects.  

The Fleche Candelabra is one of the most memorable pieces to come out of the inspired collaboration. In the late 1920's, Gio Ponti saw his beloved niece Carla Borletti marry his new friend and partner, Christofle's Tony Bouilhet. The designer crafted this 2-arm silver candelabra as a way to celebrate the joining of two people.  It also served a reflection of two talents forming a life-long partnership.

In the ensuing years, Gio Ponti and Christofle continued to demonstrate their passion for beautiful design and exquisite silver, many times through various artistic exhibitions.  The acclaimed 1957 Formes et Idees d'Italie took place at the Galerie Christofle in Paris and served as the stage for some of Gio Ponti's major works, including home décor objects such as vases and candlesticks that were specifically designed for company. Other pieces, like the Stivale vase, were also created during this time and are being realized and produced for the first time in 2008 from the artist's own sketches.

At the dawn of the 21st century, Christofle and Gio Ponti continue to carry on their distinguished partnership. The legacies of the genius architect and the master silversmith are preserved by the continued reexamination and, in some cases, evolution of their pieces. The Christofle of today is proud to present the timeless, yet unceasingly modern, Christofle-Gio Ponti collection to an American audience.

For more information on Christofle or the Gio Ponti collection, please contact Leslie Fields at (212) 284-5109 or l.fields@christolfe.com.

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Since 1842, Christofle has upheld its position as the foremost leader in the art of silver. With locations in more than 70 countries, Christofle is a modern, elegant brand which offers home decor, accessories and jewelry. www.christofle.com