Renato Olivastri

Florentine antiques for the next generation

• Renato is a furniture restorer who specialises in wooden inlays
• He fell in love with restoration due to it being a traditional craft, rooted in culture and art
• He also makes his own original wooden panel compositions

Renato Olivastri is a long-time craftsman who followed a traditional training in furniture restoration. Apprenticing in a carpentry workshop from the age of 15, he honed his studies in Florence, until he joined his master's workshop. Renato specialises in the restoration of Boulle style furniture and wooden panel frames for paintings, thanks to his knowledge of art history. "My bottega is a true treasure-trove, in which frames, chandeliers, chest of drawers and tables wait to be taken care of," he says. Renato also keeps pieces of wood that will be transformed into modern designs. His long-time experience in his craft has allowed him to develop his own artistic practice using intarsia and wood marquetry techniques to make original creations. Today, teaching is another key part of Renato's practice.

Interview

©Olga Makarova

©Olga Makarova

When did you choose to become a restorer?

I did so after my training, because I was fascinated by this kind of work. It has so many layers of art and history attached to it. For me, to restore a piece of furniture and bring it back to life and splendour is to give it a second chance and keep memories alive.

How important is the transmission of your knowledge?

I have been teaching for many years, in schools and at my workshop. Handing over knowledge and skills is a tribute to my craft, keeping it alive and evolving, keeping it relevant and rewarding. I have also taught abroad, nourished by the exchange of ideas and cultures.

What inspires you?

When dealing with old pieces of furniture and objects, knowledge of art is compulsory and requires study, practice and drive. I also delve into the work of modern artists, and express myself in restoration by applying ancient techniques to modern designs.

Is there a particular style of furniture you specialise in?

If you visit my workshop you will step into a sort of time-capsule, filled with Maggiolini style chests of drawers, ebony and ivory inlaid tables and objects, Dutch sideboards and Boulle style pieces. The latter are fascinating and challenging, due to the many materials involved in the making.

Renato Olivastri is a master artisan: he began his career in 1973 and he started teaching in 1986

Where