Andrea Mancuso
Luciano Tousco

The work of Italian designer Andrea Mancuso strikes a fine balance between the fantastical and the everyday. Originally from Rome, Mancuso spent his early career in London, where he co-founded the erstwhile design studio Analogia Project, a creatively formative period that steered Mancuso’s practice towards the experimental and imaginary. Since establishing his namesake practice in Milan, he has since nurtured a rigorously research-based approach, deeply indebted to the persuasive power of storytelling. Mancuso’s work is defined by a dedication to material research, close collaborations with artisans and craftspeople, and a fascination with historical narratives and the allure of the natural world. From 2015 onwards, he has been represented by Nilufar Gallery, where he has debuted collections including highly acclaimed Pentimenti collection, comprising etched marbled tables inspired by primitive cave art, and Acquario, which interpreted fictional aquatic life in ceramic and glass. Mancuso’s projects has been included in Architectural Digest Italy’s AD100 list of top designers and awarded by Elle Decor International Design Award. His projects have been published worldwide and his work has been exhibited at major international exhibitions and fairs. Since 2017 he has taught the Master of Interior Design course at NABA Academy in Milan.

Luciano Tousco was born in 1963 in the village of Gaby in the Aosta Valley, at the foot of Monte Rosa. He has always had a deep love for his land; he grew up among woods, mountains, fragrances and snow, amidst the beauty of nature and with respect for it. He lives in a French-speaking community, where he learnt patois, the local dialect, from a very young age, along with the importance of cultural diversity. The Walser community, who speak a German dialect, live in the nearby villages, while tourists from the cities of Milan, Turin and Genoa flock to the mountains in summer and winter. First an electrician, then a ski instructor and coach, he has always had a passion for wood. His father and uncle were carpenters. In 2002 he decided to dive into woodworking, following his family’s legacy - restoration, antique furniture and new creations - while maintaining respect for tradition and observing the world and new trends. In 2015 he made a life change, leaving the large carpentry workshop in Charvensod, Aosta, and returning to his small native village. Here he reopened the carpentry workshop that belonged to his uncle and father. It was time to rediscover the beauty of his native place and the rhythms of life in the mountains. His products are imbued with balance, simplicity and attention to detail. For this he received the title of MAM-Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere from the Fondazione Cologni.