HISTORY

1970

BIRTH OF SAN LORENZO

San Lorenzo was founded in Milan in 1970 with the aim of renewing the expressive language of silverware following the principles of design. The idea of choosing one single material – moreover a precious metal – as a medium to express contemporary culture, as a sign of one’s time, was a remarkable innovation. Hard to understand at a time when silverware was still strongly influenced by the classical tradition.

1970

SAN LORENZO FLAGSHIP STORE

The first store dedicated exclusively to San Lorenzo was founded in Milan, in Via Santo Spirito, in the heart of the city.

1970–1980

FIRST SAN LORENZO COLLECTIONS

The company established collaborations with Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Antonio Piva, Maria Luisa Belgiojoso, Lella and Massimo Vignelli, Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The breadth of the production was remarkable. Two new flatware collections were produced forthwith. The collections developed at the time would become historic.

1972–1976

WORKS OF ART

Luigi Veronesi, Mario Ceroli, Man Ray

1976

RELIGIOUS OBJECTS

St. Peters Church, New York – Design Lella And Massimo Vignelli

1992

INNOVATION IN THE USE OF PURE SILVER

The use of Pure Silver (fineness 999/°°°), traditionally considered to lack the metallurgical characteristics required for the production of silverware, is the most significant result of San Lorenzo’s intuition and research in the field of technological innovation. In collaboration with Afra and Tobia Scarpa, with the development of a specific technological process, production began on objects made of 999/°°° Pure Silver.

1995/96

MONOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION, VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

October 1995, the Victoria&Albert Museum in London inaugurated the exhibition “1970–1995 The Work of the Silversmith’s Studio San Lorenzo Milano”, a monographic exhibition on San Lorenzo’s work from 1970 to 1995, showcasing over 150 pieces. The book–catalogue of the exhibition, published by Electa, contained important critical essays on San Lorenzo and a survey of decorative arts from the end of the XIXth century through our day. At the end of the exhibition, many of the objects became part of the permanent collection of the Museum and were exhibited in the famous Silver Galleries.

1998

PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK “MONILI D’ARGENTO SAN LORENZO”

The collection of silver jewellery by San Lorenzo from 1970 to 1998. Designers: Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Antonio Piva, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Luigi Veronesi, Lella and Massimo Vignelli. (Monili d’Argento San Lorenzo, Vianello Libri, Treviso, 1998)

1999

“COOKING IN PURE SILVER”

Presentation of the most extraordinary collection of real cooking utensils: pots, frying pans, rice pots made of 999/°°° Silver. After examining the arguments of tradition in favour of using silver for cooking, San Lorenzo subjected them to a scientific analysis, and having ascertained the truthfulness of these arguments, commissioned the design of a collection of fine utensils to the expert hands of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. (Cucinare nell’Argento Puro, Grafiche Vianello, Treviso, 1999)

2001

“MONEYWARE SAN LORENZO” COLLECTION

Nine successful young designers for nine coin banks that celebrate the Euro, the new European currency unity and the consequent use of coins with a meaningful value. Designers: Luigi Baroli, Giulio Ceppi, Giovanni Giacobone, Piero Lissoni, Roberto Paoli, Danilo Premoli, Massimo Randone, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Lella and Massimo Vignelli. (Moneyware San Lorenzo, Vianello Libri, Treviso, 2001)

2003

RELIGIOUS LITURGICAL OBJECTS

Design Afra And Tobia Scarpa, Lella And Massimo Vignelli, Gianfranco Frattini, Koinè Vicenza

2003

“12 MONILI D’ARGENTO” COLLECTION

Silver jewellery. Designed by women for women.

Exclusive and conceived by women, these projects for 12 silver jewels were created by 12 renowned designers on the international scene. Design makes an incursion into the world of fashion, engaging 12 women in the challenge: within a spirit of total diversity, each voice brought to this project the specificity of its own geographical and cultural background: 3 age groups, 3 continents, so many skills.

Designers: Flavia Alves de Souza, Afra Bianchin Scarpa, Maria Blaisse, Matali Crasset, Terry Dwan, Raffaella Mangiarotti, Terri Pecora, Benedetta Tagliabue Miralles, Giovanna Talocci, Naoko Shintani, Patricia Urquiola, Lella Valle Vignelli. (12 Monili d’Argento San Lorenzo, Vianello Libri, Treviso, 2003)

2004

“MAGIS” GOLF PUTTER – DESIGN TOBIA SCARPA

A putter made of 925/°°° Silver with a titanium insert incorporated into the silver and weight anchors (tungsten–bronze–pvc). Aesthetic–functional design by Tobia Scarpa. Patented.

The study to develop the club by means of innovative technology began in 2001. As a material silver, chosen for its superior specific weight, offered excellent performance: the putter is in fact distinguished by its precision and power, judged as exceptional by expert players. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has decreed that this putter complies with the Rules of Golf.

2006

CARLO SCARPA CENTENNIAL

On the occasion of the centennial of Carlo Scarpa’s birth, San Lorenzo produced 4 silver vases designed by Tobia Scarpa: a limited edition of 9 pieces per project. The first series was displayed in the exhibition “x i 100 di Carlo Scarpa (1906–2006)”, Palazzo Bomben, Treviso.

2009

EXHIBITION “SILVER TREASURES FROM THE ATELIER SAN LORENZO MILANO”

Traveling exhibition at the Italian Institutes of Culture in North America.

2010

COLLECTIONS 7 BROOCHES GILLO DORFLES

Exhibition “Gillo Dorfles, l’avanguardia tradita”, Palazzo Reale, Milan

2015

PAN 999 – INTERNATIONAL PATENT

San Lorenzo’s research, technological innovation and company philosophy lead to the development of a new collection of cooking utensils. Certain that it is restoring one of its specific functions (cooking with enhanced benefits) to the material (Pure Silver), San Lorenzo presents the new collection of cooking utensils. The San Lorenzo brand has been recognized as a leader in the field of design silverware and innovation by important accredited critics.