Utilising techniques that have been perfected over the last 60 years in Romano d'Ezzelino, near Venice, Francesco Molon searches worldwide for only the highest-grade materials: superb veneers, refined burls, exotic rosewoods and ebony. The raw material is subsequently passed over to artisans who then produce the near signature pieces for their select global clientele. "Our artisans combine passion and manual dexterity with precision", says Roberto Molon, Francesco's son and current Managing Director, "Their artistry is evidenced in tenons and mortises and dovetails".
Francesco Molon's seal of quality is internationally recognised through their superior finished products. A portion of the facility is devoted to the finishing arts of colour, carving, inlay, painting and goldleaf detailing. "Often carvings are used decoratively," says Molon, "and our craftsmen still create them by hand. They use the same techniques that were used hundreds of years ago. Veneers are still worked in the old ways and hand finished".
Unlike many other companies, Molon produces furniture completely manufactured and produced in Italy itself instead of opting for cheaper assembling options in China as so many other artisans have been forced to capitulate to in order to offset high manufacturing costs in Europe.
With so much emphasis on artistic expression and detailing, it's hard to imagine that Francesco Molon would give equal attention to functionality. Yet this is also achieved, with an in-house technical department and virtuoso designers who meticulously plan and review the feasibility of each piece. Ultimately, Francesco Molon facilitates the relationship between technology, design and artistry to produce stunning furniture that performs in the home or office, from both high design and functional perspectives.
The company manufactures six distinct collections specially designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes and needs. For instance, the 18th Century collection is a unique blend of antique and specially crafted elegant furnishings in the English period tradition, whereas the New Empire collection includes true reproductions in the Russian and French Empire Style. The Italian and French Country collection groups Italian and European 'country' furniture with elegant simplicity indicative of fine rural estates, whilst the Executive collection includes distinguished office and library furnishing of such a calibre that ex Russian President Vladmir Putin commissioned a desk that has now entered the companies' catalogue as a firm favourite. Finally, the Upholstery collection exemplifies how the harmony of wood and fine fabrics is married in unmatched beauty.
A more recent range was born from the fusion of Francesco Molon with Antonio D'Andrea, an eminent Italian designer. This collection transcends the company's classical roots and responds to current requirements while refuting simplistic minimalist influences. Suitably named 'Eclectica', it draws inspiration from Art Deco. The pieces reflect the Italian penchant for innovation and trendsetting style that over the years has made the country a vitally fluid source of design inspiration. "This collection will convince our clientele worldwide that we create truly unique and personalised interiors for them" concludes Roberto Molon.