Glossip: Guests Celebrate Italian Design Day With A Special Dinner At The Italian Ambassador’s Residence

A special event hosted by the Ambassador of Italy, H E Mr Ruggero Corrias, at his residence Lucan House, celebrated the eighth edition of the Italian Design Day …

On Monday 11 March 2024, guests gathered at the lovely Palladian villa, Lucan House, to enjoy a very special celebration to mark Italian Design Day. The residence of the Ambassador of Italy, Ruggero Corrias, and his wife Vania Lorenzo, and their family, Lucan House was rented by the Italian government during the second World War, and then purchased in 1954. The entrance gate and high granite walls, on the main street of Lucan village, enclose 12 acres of manicured parkland along the banks of the river Liffey.

As guests arrived and turned left inside the gates, they were greeted by the unexpectedly dramatic sight of a herd of buffalo, their monumental size and shape looming out of the darkness. Eight bronze bufale – buffalo – by celebrated Italian artist Davide Rivalta, is a truly stunning installation, part of the Embassy’s commitment to promote Italian art. Inside, in the centre of the colonnaded 18th-century front hall, is the artist’s oversized white cavallo – a horse – and an Italian homage to the Irish equestrian tradition. This setting was appropriately inspiring for guests from from the world of art, design and interiors to discuss, celebrate and honour the particular impact of Italian design on the world.

Appointed Italian Ambassador to Ireland in 2021, Ruggero Corrias is among the youngest Italian Ambassadors. He brings a wealth of experience to the role having served for over eight years in the US (New York and Washington DC), as well as stints in Latin America and the Balkans.

The Ambassador and his wife, Vania have made Lucan House a focal point for promoting Italian culture. With the decision by the Italian government to sell Lucan House to the South Dublin County Council, who hope to transform the historic property into a visitor attraction, the family will be leaving the large country house in the summer to set up home in leafy Dartry, which will be a more convenient location for their young family and schools. Vania explained that the bufale would remain in their Lucan parkland and in time will be able to be viewed in situ by the general public. Before they depart Lucan House, the couple will host the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella to mark the official farewell to this long association with this beautiful villa.

A reception in the hall was followed by a delicious Italian buffet served in the exquisite dining room. Attendees included renowned Italian architect Matteo Vercelloni, Furio Pietribiasi, the President of the Irish Italian Chamber of Commerce and Giovanni Sacchi Director of ITA Office in London. Helen Kilmartin of Irish interior design consultancy and retailer Minima, Aine Browne of Cucine Lube, photographer Ruth Maria Murphy, designer Helen James, jewellery designer Melissa Curry, architect Grainne Weber and interior designer Suzie McAdam were among the guests.

The event was one of a number of a weeklong series of events to mark the eighth Italian Design Day In Ireland. The theme “Manufacturing value – inclusiveness, innovation and sustainability”, focuses on the Italian emphasis on sustainability in design and the circular manufacturing process that leads to the creation of beautifully designed, high quality, and valuable Italian design pieces. On Tuesday March 12, the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin hosted a presentation of “Breve storia del Design Italiano” by architect Matteo Vercelloni. This enlightening session, in Italian explored the rich history and evolution of Italian design, offering attendees a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.

This week also sees local importers of Italian design host a series of consumer events in Limerick and Dublin providing opportunities for design lovers to immerse themselves in Italian design excellence.

Italy ranks number one in Europe for turnover in the design sector with Italian furniture, marble and ceramics experiencing a strong demand in the Irish market. Italy also boasts the world’s largest event dedicated to design, Salone del Mobile in Milan, which will take place from 16 to 21 April 2024.

To find out more about the events taking place for Italian Design Day visit; www.ambdublino.esteri.it/it/.

Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.