Transforming Forgotten Stories

Hillsideout [antique art design] is a project by Andrea Zambelli and Nat Wilms which formed in 2009 out of a mutual concern for the degradation of abandoned sites in the Italian Apennines.

Bringing the past in to the present through uniquely handcrafted contemporary furniture, Hillsideout explore the need to transform a state of uselessness and forgotten stories into practical functionality.

Continue reading to find out more about the inventive duo.

The ancient, mainly medieval, mountain villages and journeys abroad are the starting point for transforming the past into “living memory” through the form of innovative furniture.

Sourcing material always and everywhere | Preparation of the material

Choosing local pieces, generally of wood, but also “emotional” objects with personal value, adding value to their past whilst maintaining consideration for their origin, Hillsideout’s design will often start with an object such as a door, a drawer, a chair or a simple image. The recycling of old material becomes a process of re-invention combining ancient techniques with new technology and the poetic with the innovative.

The idea of restoration works in harmony with their strong belief in the contemporary, adding to existing historical layers.

Liquid Colour

Liquid Colour table at Mint LDF15

This series celebrates colour and its uniqueness when it reacts with transparencies like resin. The result of colourful shades, which cannot be repeated in the same way, are combined with naturally treated wood, maintaining antique furniture proportions.

The dining table shows in its middle antique handmade iron nails from the 17th century which are immersed in the resin. They reveal the constellation Monoceros that relates to the idea of city constructions which were made following stars in the night sky.

The restored wooden bench is an Italian original from the 18th century but in the style is Louis XVI. The resin, plexiglass and colour change completely in different light situations to create a mesmerizing bench.

Screen Dreamers

The Screen Dreamers are made from old wood, blackboard, blown glass, mirrors, plexiglass and thin-film photographical pictures.

Screen Dreamer at Mint LDF15

Playful and poetic on multiple levels, the images change continuously depending on the light in the room and position of the partitions. The screens are full of optical surprises and reflections with the use of stopsol blackpearl, a material traditionally used for spying purposes!

Upside Down Console

The principal component of the Upsidedown Collection is a console made of handcrafted wood and plexiglass. As the name suggests, some elements can be turned the other way round or up, or inside out.

Giving a first impression of rigidity and seriousness, on closer inspection this console becomes a playful piece as the transparencies between the wood reflect and lighten the whole structure. The six transparent boxes through which the pictures can be observed are reversible. By turning them around they are able to contain objects of everyday life.

For further information about any of the above products, contact sales@mintshop.co.uk

Images © Hillside Out & Mint