Arclinea Celebrates 100 Years with Book & Culinary Scholarship Fund

MILAN — Luxury kitchens firm Arclinea, which was founded in 1925 in Codogno, Italy, has turned the focus to supporting young culinary talent.

As a part of its centennial this year, 100 images by French photographer Amélie Ambroise lensed for the occasion will be available for purchase at artsy.net.

The company told WWD on Thursday that the proceeds — net of the platform’s commission — and an additional fixed contribution from Arclinea will be entirely donated to the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, in support of emerging stars on the culinary scene.

During Milan Design Week, which will kick off April 7, Arclinea will unveil the photography book lensed by Ambroise with the photos. Named “100 Years, 100 Ingredients” the book features 100 carefully selected still-life images of ingredients that embody Italy’s gastronomic heritage. The coffee table book was brought to life with art direction by Switzerland-based Studio Juma. Studio Juma’s other clients include design firms Rimadesio, Amini, Azucena, B&B Italia and Maxalto.

The exhibition, which will take place at the firm’s showroom on Via Durini, will also include an exclusive iteration of the Convivium kitchen island, which is free of appliances and embraces a more convivial, open space rationale.

Gianni Fortuna, chief executive officer of Arclinea, said the fundraising initiative marks an important first step in the firm’s efforts to support education on a wider scale. “It means investing in knowledge, culture and the transmission of expertise, which are all essential values for us. Education and culture are a shared heritage for us, which is why we also collaborate on research projects with IUAV University of Venice, which has recently opened its design campus in Vicenza, our hometown,” he said.

Arclinea was started in Caldogno, Italy, by Fortuna’s grandfather Silvio Fortuna Sr. In 1986, Arclinea began collaborating with designer and architect Antonio Citterio, who continues to envisage their ”architectures for living” to this day. 

For the third generation, this year marks an emotional milestone. “It is a deeply personal journey. It is a moment of reflection on the path taken on the values that have guided us, and on the people who have contributed to shaping Arclinea over time. There is a sense of responsibility in carrying forward a story that began generations ago, with my grandfather, built on passion, dedication and a deep connection to our origins,” Fortuna said.

In terms of retail, Arclinea, which is owned by Flos B&B Italia Group, has recently opened stores in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and Boston, together with B&B Italia.