Project

In 1992, Friul Mosaic was entrusted with the restoration of five large niches that adorn the historic Caffè Contarena, located within the imposing Palazzo degli Uffici Municipali in Udine. The elegant building, designed by Friulian architect Raimondo D'Aronco, was constructed between 1911 and 1925. The mosaic decorations of the niches and lunettes, created between 1930 and 1935 based on sketches by Friulian artist Pietro Someda De Marco, represent a rare example of Italian Art Deco. Severely damaged during post-war restoration in the 1950s, the mosaics required a complex restoration project. Through careful philological reconstruction, Friul Mosaic was able to restore the works to their original appearance, reconstructing nearly three-quarters of the lost decorations.

The inspiration

With over thirty years of restoration experience, Friul Mosaic has tackled numerous 20th-century works, interpreting their essence with historical sensitivity and technical precision.
For Caffè Contarena, the team undertook both the restoration and complete reconstruction of the original Art Deco mosaics that decorate the venue's vaulted ceilings.
Their work restored the space to its characteristic elegance, with meticulous attention to historic details. The dynamic geometries, intense colors, and refined decorations of the Art Deco style were brought back to life in a project that harmoniously combines rigor and beauty.

Materials

The selection of materials was essential to achieving a faithful and vibrant restoration. High-quality Venetian enamels and 24-karat gold leaf enamels, supplied by the historic Orsoni artistic glassworks in Venice, were used to revive the chromatic depth and luminosity of the original surfaces.
Each mosaic tile is cut, crafted, and laid by hand in the Friul Mosaic workshops, where artisanal skill is guided by a deep understanding of traditional techniques. The result is a harmonious and authentic composition that transforms any space into a tribute to beauty and cultural memory.