Francesco Pavon

Retelling originality, history and beauty

• Francesco restores wood, stone and decorated surfaces
• He opened his restoration workshop in 2021 after gaining experience at a restorer's workshop
• Meticulous study and patience are the basic ingredients of his work

Francesco Pavon inherited his architect father's passion for manual arts and adopted his attitude in his own restorative work. He studied at the International University of Art in Venice, where he specialised in the restoration of wood, stone and decorated surfaces. Francesco now works at the university as a teaching assistant, providing training and support to students. "Restoration has given me the opportunity to fulfil my desire of exploring the secrets behind artworks and expressing myself manually," he says. After spending a couple of years working in a restorer's workshop, in March 2021, Francesco opened his atelier Pavon Restauri. "Thanks to word of mouth, I expanded my client base. In early 2022, I collaborated with Arte e Restauro in Padua to restore furniture designed by the famous Italian architect Gio Ponti for Palazzo Bo.," he says.

Interview

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Why do you enjoy working with wood?

There are thousands of different types of wood. Each type has unique characteristics that need to be individually understood and respected. Every piece of furniture or artifact has a story to tell. I find that it is always exciting to bring it back to life.

How does your relationship with an object begin?

I study the artifact and its details carefully to understand what it was like originally. Then, I plan the restoration work in a way that respects and revives its original state, history and beauty. Study and research are crucial to restoration.

What is the value of craftsmanship today?

It may seem that it is no longer necessary, but restoration, in addition to providing a concrete result, is also a mindset. It takes a lot of patience and requires a deep respect for materials and time. In a frenetic world, I believe that craftsmanship is an excellent solution for regaining the right approach to life.

Do you have a hidden dream?

I would like to see the empty Venetian workshops revived by skilled hands. I think it is up to us young people to invest in our city to prevent it from sinking, starting with our craftsmanship. I believe it is possible if we keep up with the current times.

Francesco Pavon is a rising star: he began his career in 2021 and he started teaching in 2021

Where