Nicola Di Froscia

DFdesignlab

Marble worker

©DFdesignlab

From marble to metal

Nicola's family heritage is marble work
His homeland has a long blacksmithing tradition
True craftmanship is at the heart of his designs

Nicola Di Froscia was born in Campobasso to an Italian father and an English mother. On his Italian side, he is the third generation in a family of marble workers who have devoted their skills to the family firm, Di Froscia Marmi. Young Nicola grew up in the workshop, exposed since childhood to the complexity of marble work. However, while he did eventually join the family activity, he did so in his own time. He spent several years in England and became a blacksmith. Today he runs DF Design, his own venture, in which he combines the knowledge of his marble legacy and his new knowledge of metal. The result is a modern craft that fuses tradition and innovation.

Interview

©DFdesignlab

©DFdesignlab

Where and how did you learn your craft?: I grew up surrounded by marble workers and they taught me all I know about marble, but I am a self-taught blacksmith. You can teach yourself to work with metal, because as a craft it allows you to make mistakes, whereas marble work does not. It can only be learned through someone patiently teaching you all the tricks.
How did you come to combine marble and metal?: The region where I live, Campobasso, has a long tradition of metal work; in particular there is Campane Marinelli that has been making bells for more than 1500 years. I guess I was naturally influenced by my surroundings.
What do you like most about your work?: The creativity. My father’s company manages large interior design projects, therefore they mostly work on commission. On the other hand I am free to experiment and to create my own designs. I love making something unique and then seeing it purchased somewhere in the world.
Do you think your craft could be in danger?: Absolutely. I would say it is facing extinction, but not because nobody wants to do it anymore. The reason behind the crisis is that people don't appreciate the beauty of artisanal techniques and well made objects. Those who have money to spend prefer to buy brands. Mass production is killing craftsmanship.

Nicola Di Froscia is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2012 and he started teaching in 2019