“I decided to commence this design exploration – which is also the start of a new brand called Il Tornitore Matto (“the mad turner”) – because examining origins seems to be a useful road toward the future.
I refer to Alice in Wonderland because I aspire to feel free, at least for a moment, from the typical restrictions of industrial production, to demonstrate that an ancient production process with many technical limits, can allow human creativity to obtain astonishing results – a wedding of poiesis and techne.” Alberto Alessi

Chapter: 1
Bowls, Trays, Glasses & Vases
This collection of diverse objects (made between mid-2022 and early 2023) is an ongoing project, meaning it is the beginning of a new story rather than an arrival point. It’s the first chapter of an exploration that Alberto Alessi has decided to undertake for the pleasure of
discovering new territories where designers and entrepreneur are free to establish the rules of the creative process autonomously. If there is an aim, it is to place an accent on the experimental formulation of the industrial model that has distinguished the galaxy of design investigations Alessi has fostered over the years. This first instalment of Il Tornitore Matto originated in conversations with Giulio Iacchetti – he is co-director of the meta project. Of course it was also generated by the designers who took part: Pierre Charpin, Federico Angi, Michael Anastassiades, Nika Zupanc, Naoto Fukasawa, Paolo Ulian, Michele De Lucchi and Andrea Branzi.
!TM01-02
Pierre Charpin
!TM03
Federico Angi
!TM04-05
Michael Anstassiades
!TM06-10
Nika Zupanc
!TM11-14
Naoto Fukasawa
!TM15-17
Paolo Ulian
!TM18
Giulio Iacchetti
!TM19-22
Michele De Lucchi
!TM23
Andrea Branzi

“Objects originate in the spinning movement. Our hope is that once they are unclamped from the mandrel, they retain some of their centrifugal force to scatter them in different directions. They are the expression of the individual identities, tastes and inclinations of each designer, a micro-universe of artefacts liberated from the requisite of being a coherent part of the group, meaning they are highly distinct. They evoke a world where dreams, like in the best fairy tales, come true.” Giulio Iacchetti

Pierre Charpin, Ondine, 2023
A family of containers in turned brass sheet. The elements have the function of containing and protecting. The small box is composed of three parts (bowl, tray and cover). The bigger box is a bowl covered by a tray.
A family of containers in turned brass sheet. The elements have the function of containing and protecting. The small box is composed of three parts (bowl, tray and cover). The bigger box is a bowl covered by a tray.


Federico Angi, Discolo, 2023
Centrepiece with generous rim. Turned aluminium sheet with coloured anodization.
Centrepiece with generous rim. Turned aluminium sheet with coloured anodization.


Michael Anastassiades, Trumpet, 2023
The Trumpet vases reinterpret one of the more traditional procedures of lathe turning, used to produce trumpets and other wind instruments.
The Trumpet vases reinterpret one of the more traditional procedures of lathe turning, used to produce trumpets and other wind instruments.


Nika Zupanc, Edges, 2023
Cake stand, baskets, centrepiece, tray and ice bucket. A decorative motif reminiscent of embroidered trim embellishes the edges of this family of table objects made of 18/10 stainless steel with brass PVD coating.
Cake stand, baskets, centrepiece, tray and ice bucket. A decorative motif reminiscent of embroidered trim embellishes the edges of this family of table objects made of 18/10 stainless steel with brass PVD coating.


Naoto Fukasawa, Kuru Kuru, 2023
This water and wine set is a study in simplicity that reinterprets the shapes of universally traditional objects of daily use. Composed of a carafe, water cup, wine cup and tray, all made in 18/10 stainless steel.
This water and wine set is a study in simplicity that reinterprets the shapes of universally traditional objects of daily use. Composed of a carafe, water cup, wine cup and tray, all made in 18/10 stainless steel.


Paolo Ulian, Compressioni, 2023
Family of objects (basket, centrepiece and unprecedented object) made in 18/10 stainless steel and brass. Based on a study of decorative effects generated by the compression of lathe-turned metal shapes with pure geometric forms. Although serially produced, each object is unique.
Family of objects (basket, centrepiece and unprecedented object) made in 18/10 stainless steel and brass. Based on a study of decorative effects generated by the compression of lathe-turned metal shapes with pure geometric forms. Although serially produced, each object is unique.


Giulio Iacchetti, Conca, 2023
Vase/container with handles. Turned copper sheet.
Vase/container with handles. Turned copper sheet.


Michele De Lucchi, Dervisci, 2023
Tumbler made in 18/10 stainless steel with PVD coating. Their shape is inspired by the dance of whirling dervishes.
Tumbler made in 18/10 stainless steel with PVD coating. Their shape is inspired by the dance of whirling dervishes.


Andrea Branzi, Tronchetto, 2023
Flower vase. 18/10 stainless steel and wood.
Flower vase. 18/10 stainless steel and wood.

