Emilio Brazzolotto & Luigi Scarabelli

Fabscarte

Wallpaper maker

©Monica Spezia

Walls of craftsmanship

Emilio and Luigi explore a new decorative language
Their wallpapers are entirely handmade in Milan
The creative duo run the atelier Fabscarte

Fabscarte is a Milanese workshop specialised in the production of hand-painted wallpapers and decorative painting. Constantly experimenting with new techniques and materials, master artisans Emilio Brazzolotto and Luigi Scarabelli seek inspiration from nature and contemporary art to create unique decorative solutions that combine matter, texture and colour in unprecedented ways, giving a new language to interior design. “In our work we love both its endless creative possibilities and the development of a common thought,” they say. “In fact, we have never considered it just a job, but rather an activity that over time has allowed us to probe our limits and develop our attitudes through group interaction.”

Interview

What are your specialities?: We were both trained in classical decoration, and we like to combine all the traditional techniques –fake marble, fake wood, gilding, glazing and trompe l'oeil with our knowledge of modern art. This allows us a wide-ranging exploration of the unlimited potential of this decorative art.
Is your craft more tied to tradition or innovation?: For us, innovation cannot exist without a deep knowledge of traditional techniques, which express a continuum of the values of man. Behind the creation of a wallpaper there is a great deal of research and testing and the ability to draw new inspiration from one’s mistakes.
Do you collaborate with designers and artists?: We create drawings, patterns and site-specific projects with some of the best international artists and designers. They are exclusive, four-handed collaborations, in which dialogue and interchange are essential ingredients.
Are you engaged in training apprentices?: The training of apprentices is a vital part of our work: we consider it a generational exchange, because they bring vitality, enthusiasm and creativity. In return we offer the ability to manage their creativity, as well as the wealth of knowledge that comes from 30 years of experience.

Emilio Brazzolotto & Luigi Scarabelli are master artisans: they began their career in 1983 and they started teaching in 1990