Francesca Frau

Blacksmith

©Massimo Loi

©Pierluigi Dessì

©Massimo Loi

A feminine touch

Francesca specialises in the iron forging technique
Her master is her father Mario Frau
Sardinia is her main inspiration

Francesca Frau calls herself a "fabbra", the Italian feminine word for blacksmith. One of the few females in a profession mainly chosen and dominated by men. Someone tried to convince her not to take up the job, but she never listened, “I could never be in front of a computer all day”, she simply puts it. So, in 2004, when she was only 23, she chose to keep alive the family tradition and started her apprenticeship in the workshop of her father, who just retired. The style of her creations ranges from classic to modern, combining aesthetic and functionality, together with meticulous attention to detail that makes each piece unique. Her artworks are created using ancient techniques such as forging, flame-painting and chiselling. Much of her production is dedicated to interior and exterior furnishing accessories.

Interview

©Pierluigi Dessì

©Pierluigi Dessì

How did you learn your craft?: While I was in high school, I started learning the art of wrought iron at my father Mario Frau’s blacksmith workshop. In this period, I also focused on metalworking techniques through personal studies, and later I attended a course about silver designing.
Did you follow your passion?: Undeniably. My decision to continue my father’s work was very natural to me. I have always been passionate about creating with my hands and this was the opportunity to transform my passion into a job. I couldn’t let it go.
Is your craft rooted in your homeland?: Many of my creations take up themes from the Sardinian cultural tradition, they are very ancient topics and have an important symbolic value. In other cases, I reinterpret the typical wildlife, fish and birds of my region with a minimalistic touch.
Do you collaborate with other artisans?: I love collaborations, particularly with Sardinian artists and especially with women with whom I find a special connection. I believe that the synergy between people, artisans in my case, can also create opportunities and prosperity for the entire region.

Francesca Frau is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004