The art and craft of coffee preparation and consumption have reached levels of fetishisation that exceed practically all other modern food and drink rituals. Although the artisanal origin and authenticity of the grind and pour have become the focal points for a new generation of coffee lovers, the country with the biggest vested interest in coffee culture is, of course, Italy.
The ‘Collar’ coffee set was designed by Italian designers Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri for Danish brand Stelton
The country has sacred social rules associated with consumption, together with a disdain for chains, and an unspoken acceptance of coffee's integral role as both social lubricant and essential physical booster. Nowhere is that more evident than in the consumption of espresso.
‘Italian Passion: The Art of Espresso’, on show in Copenhagen
Federicabiasi's ‘Lume’ collection for Nespresso was introduced in 2020, available from nespresso.com
This exhibition at Copenhagen’s Italian Cultural Institute (until 31 March 2023) dives into the culture surrounding this potent little cup. Endorsed and supported by some of the biggest names in coffee creation and consumption – Alessi, Illycaffè, Lavazza, Nepresso and more – the show features 45 exhibits brought together by curator Elisabetta Pisu.
Collar coffee set, from Stelton. Coffee grinder also available from amazon.co.uk
Showcasing everything from the emerging technology of the coffee machine to the artistic platform of the cup, through to the high-profile design collaborations that have percolated within coffee culture.
This small but invigorating exhibition is designed to give you a welcome jolt, just like the drink itself. Below is our selection of some of the best pieces on show.
‘Italian passion: The Art of Espresso’, curated by Elisabetta Pisu, is on show at Istituto Italiano di cultura, extended until 21 April 2023, Gjørlingsvej 11, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark
Coffee hits: a flavour of the exhibition
Alessandro Mendini's Memphis-infused coffee pot from the 'Oggetto Banale' ('trivial objects') series, shown at the 1980 Venice Biennale
The Tea & Coffee Towers were designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas for Alessi in 2003
Lara Caffi's elegant 'Lady Anne' Moka Pot for KnIndustrie, 2019, knindustrie.it
Illy’s Art Collection has commissioned work from a huge variety of artists, including Ai Weiwei, available from illy.com
Mona Hatoum’s designs for the Illy Art Collection, available from illy.com
Eterna Espresso machine by Luigi Scapolla, 1925
Cimbali’s Brillante model from 1952 was one of the company’s first machines to incorporate a lever to create the pressure to dispense the coffee cream
Coban, an espresso machine by the late German industrial designer Richard Sapper for Alessi, 1997
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