Gabriele & Leonardo Vazzoler

Blacksmith

Brotherhood forged in iron

Gabriele and Leonardo are carrying forward their family's legacy in blacksmithing
They enjoy the making process as it allows them to truly connect with their material
The duo aims to modernise the art of wrought iron for use in interiors

Gabriele and Leonardo Vazzoler grew up in a family immersed in the art of blacksmithing. Gabriele, inspired by his grandfather and father, studied at the Liceo Artistico in Treviso and the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. His work is influenced by Maestro Toni Benetton’s sinuous forms. Leonardo, passionate about precision mechanics and design, mastered tools like the lathe and milling machine while working on luxury furniture and refining minimalist forms. "I like to experiment with metal, blending tradition with my own style," says Gabriele. Despite the Vazzoler brothers having different paths leading to blacksmithing, they have come together to blend craftsmanship with innovation to produce art, furniture and architectural elements in wrought iron.

Interview

Where do you find your inspiration?: We are mainly inspired by nature and the unique and harmonious shapes it creates. We also find inspiration in works of masters from the past. By observing their objects, we draw inspirations for our techniques and structures, revisiting them in a contemporary way.
What sparked your interest in blacksmithing?: We found our passion for this craft as children. When we used to visit our father's workshop, we saw the finished artefacts he spent so long working on, and were amazed by the result. This inspired us to pursue his craft of blacksmithing.
What do you love most about your craft?: We love the time between designing and completing our creations. This is when we connect with the materials and the object. It is a magical, introspective and daunting moment all at once – we learn something new every time. We are always looking forward to this phase as it helps us grow.
How do you combine contemporary design with a classical legacy?: It is not easy, but a solid knowledge of materials and techniques, in combination with a curiosity for contemporary design allow true art to be developed. For several years, we have been collaborating with designers and architects to modernise the art of wrought iron.

Gabriele & Leonardo Vazzoler are rising stars: they began their career in 2016