At home with Andrea Zanatelli
We caught up with Andrea at his home in Milan, where he used his favorite House of Hackney prints and the new collection to create his own Fantasy Room. We spoke to the artist about his inspirations, his connection to the natural world, and of course, why spreading the message of Stop Ecocide International is more important than ever.
Your work and your home evoke an otherworldly sense of myth and legend. Have you always been drawn to magic and the mystical?
Growing up in a family steeped in tales of magic and folklore deeply influenced me, fostering a lifelong fascination with magic and mysticism that frequently permeates my work. I often draw on gothic narratives, folklore, symbolism, and ancient pagan rituals as key references to enrich my art.
Your work is a rich tapestry of references and iconography, drawing connections between the esoteric, the classics and the natural world. Where do you find your inspiration?
I conduct extensive research and frequently incorporate diverse references from the late 1800s to the early 1900s into my work, drawing inspiration from theatrical figures, decadent poets, antique textiles, embroidery, and unusual objects. Among my primary influences are the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Pre-Raphaelites, which I hold in deep affection. This period, flourishing during the late Victorian era and into the early 1900s, features beloved artists such as William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, May Morris, Ann Macbeth, Jane Morris, Walter Crane, and Jessie Marion King, all of whom inspire my creative process.
Recently, I have become increasingly fascinated by theatre and its mystical figures, as well as early cinema artists. The intricate costumes, tragic heroines, grand sets, and opulent decor are just a few elements that inspire my work. Notable dramatic personalities such as Sarah Bernhardt, Ellen Terry, Léon Bakst, Ida Rubinstein, Isadora Duncan, Theda Bara, and Natacha Rambova serve as significant sources of inspiration for my pieces.
Each of your pieces is filled with symbolism and folklore, what are your favorite icons and stories and why?
My artworks are always imbued with a dreamlike, poetic, and magical quality, drawing deeply from folklore, gothic fiction, romance, and captivating tales. This influence spans from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Edgar Allan Poe's short stories to Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock. A particularly cherished reference is Daria Nicolodi's screenplay for Dario Argento's Suspiria, where fairy tale, horror, and sorcery intertwine. Additionally, the ballet Le Sacre du Printemps, with Igor Stravinsky's powerful music, Vaslav Nijinsky's modernist choreography, and Nicholas Roerich's vividly colored designs, remains a timeless source of inspiration for my creative process.
Mother Nature is at the heart of House of Hackney, and the restoration of the natural world is our brand mission, a message that is echoed in your work. Why was collaborating with Stop Ecocide International important to you?
Nature and the botanical realm frequently take center stage in my work, with flowers and their significance in Victorian-era symbolism being recurring themes. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement and its pioneer, William Morris, I see nature as my muse, where delicate foliage, vibrant colours, and lush floral patterns become the focal points of my creations. So when Frieda Gormley suggested this partnership with Stop Ecocide International, I saw it as a noble chance to dedicate my art to this important cause. In a fast-changing world, being able to protect and restore Nature is something we can no longer delay. With House of Hackney, if every single effort is something that can support and hopefully alter our future, then it is something that I am delighted to be able to stand up for.
Shop the Collection
Limited Edition
The Blue Rose Weeping
Poster
$72.00
Much like your artwork, your home is a trove of past memories and collected treasures. What was the vision for your Fantasy Room?
As avid collectors of antiques, textiles, curiosities, and all things beautiful, my partner and I envisioned our Fantasy Room as a blend of our existing collection and the products created in collaboration with House of Hackney. This space is not only a spare bedroom for guests but also serves as our dressing room, exuding a boudoir-like atmosphere filled with my antique clothing, handbags, jewelry, and memorabilia. There’s a palpable sense of horror vacui in both my artworks and our home decor, where every detail and element holds significance, evoking the feeling of a grand Victorian scrapbook.
Nature is the main character in this collection, and we always want to inspire people to reconnect with the natural world. What do you do to deepen your connection with Nature?
To feel more connected to nature, I often escape to the countryside. I deeply cherish visiting historical gardens and country houses, as well as taking long walks, all of which inspire my work and refresh my spirit.
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