Enrico Vocaturi

Classic designs in wrought iron

• Enrico runs a traditional workshop specialised in wrought iron creations
• He creates unique pieces and restores antiques
• His father Armando founded the workshop and still crafts exceptional pieces

Vocaturi Arte del Ferro is a traditional bottega (workshop) in the heart of Turin forging high-end creations in wrought iron. The history of the bottega follows a very typical pattern in Italy. In the 50s, the founder Armando Vocaturi came to Turin from southern Italy and started working in a local bottega specialising in restoring exceptional pieces from the most renowned antiques dealer in town. In just a few years, after Armando became sought after for his forging ability and knowledge of local styles and designs, he opened his own bottega, which is now run by his son Enrico. This new generation has the same philosophy: everything is strictly handmade, in classic styles and designs, with unparalleled craftsmanship.

Interview

©Ardyfoto per Vocaturi arte del ferro

©Luca Di Lotto per Vocaturi arte del ferro

Who did you learn from?

I owe everything to my father, Armando. He learned the craft and passed it on to me. Even now that he is retired, he comes to the bottega to work, not on client pieces, but on his own special pieces, exceptional objects of utmost craftsmanship.

What, specifically, did he pass on to you?

He taught me that every piece is different and unique and requires passion, patience and a lot of work. For example, if the ideal tool for a specific need does not exist, we create it. Many of our tools were designed and crafted by us.

Is there a particular piece you are proud of?

We created a giant telescope for legendary theatre director Luca Ronconi. We also created the lighting systems for the Carignano theatre in Turin, but our most impressive piece is an enormous chandelier designed and forged for the beautiful theatre in Casale Monferrato, with more than 75 lights.

What is your favourite style?

Our work is quintessentially classic. We work on contemporary designs, but always with a classic approach and with uncompromising quality. There aren't many in Italy with this approach anymore, that’s why we have clients coming from abroad as well.

Enrico Vocaturi is a master artisan: he began his career in 1987 and he started teaching in 2018

Works

©Vocaturi arte del ferro

©Vocaturi arte del ferro

©Vocaturi arte del ferro

©Vocaturi arte del ferro

Where