Villa Reale in Monza exposes the Triennale: a history in the making
We arrived at the last appointment with my stories on the exhibitions of the XXI Triennale, held this year in all of Milan.
I don’t know how many of you knew it, but a couple of exhibitions have been housed in the Villa Reale in Monza. Not a place chosen by chance of course, but one of the places that have seen the birth of the Triennial.
The two exhibitions were “Design before design” and “Everyday Beauty”, which offered an overview of the glorious past of the Triennial but that also shake hands to the future.
VILLA REALE IN MONZA AND THE DAWN OF DESIGN
It begins with the exposition that tells about the birth of the Triennial, at the beginning of the 20th century. Through the study of the figure of Guido Marangoni (MP 1909–1921, curator of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, journalist and founder of “La Casa Bella”), we are accompanied in the history of the event.
Marangoni was a deep supporter of decorative arts and their cultural and aesthetic value; for these reasons, he encouraged the creation of biennial exhibitions that were intended to expose and bring together artisans of the time with the audience.
In 1923 it was helded the first exhibition, precisely at the Villa Reale and then followed each other every two years. These exhibitions were the basis for the future Triennial, which from 1933 moved to Milan.
Showcasing original furnishings and objects of various Biennials, with posters and advertisements of the time.
Outfits too are inspired by those of the time, divided by types and creations; you have the chance to see real rare jewels, witnesses of a magnitude that was.
PAST VS FUTURE, AN UNSTOPPABLE PATH
The second exhibition was “Everyday Beauty” by Silvana Annicchiarico.
The Triennale Design Museum continues with its commitment to conservation, promotion and enhancement of the heritage of Italian design in Italy and in the world, by strengthening the link between the Triennale itself and Monza.
Right at the Villa Reale in Monza took place the last edition of the biennial of 1930, which then became every three years.
On display 200 iconic pieces that have witnessed the greatness of innovations and experiments of the Italian design.
In a chronological journey from the 50s to today, they are alternating the works of the great masters (Gio Ponti, Franco Albini …) to those of young designers (Fabio Novembre, Martino Gamper …).
Photo courtesy: La Triennale di Milano
Photo courtesy: La Triennale di Milano
Photo courtesy: La Triennale di Milano
In a setting with clean and essential lines, objects are shown that represented technical and design innovations for the era in which they were conceived and created.
It is amazing to see how certain objects are still formidables, how they managed to defeat the ravages of passing time.
Switching from Olivetti Lettera 22 from Nizzoli, from Arco of the Castiglioni brothers, to Mezzadro by Zanotta, to Up chair by Gaetano Pesce.
All creations are exhibited on packing case in natural wood, which with their simplicity create a dialogue between the items and the existing architecture.
