Sandro Martini Biography
Born and raised in Rome, Italy, surrounded by the architectural, artistic and natural beauty of its landscape,
it seemed the innate choice for Sandro Martini to be immersed in the arts. Moving to London in 1982 he
began to explore and become deeply involved in photography and fine art painting. Not only drawing from
his roots, but also taking in a wider inspiration.
With the vibrant and burgeoning arts culture in London, he was soon snapped up by Italian Magazine
Frigidaire to mastermind a photographic and illustrative observation of Youth culture in London and its
international influence.
His witty and astute technique and style brought him to the attention of many London designers and he was
soon brought under the wing of Fashion Jewellery designer Jane Hong and worked alongside her for
several years creating lines that were sought after the world over.
Never one to forget his artistic, social and historic background in Italy, Sandro soon found himself
immersed in making the documentary film and follow up table top book about the life and work of Piero
Fornasetti – both produced by Alberto Zabban. As assistant director, Sandro was able to ensure the works –
some of which he had personally been involved in the making during his time as chief ceramist and historic
archivist for the company.
Having re-immersed himself in Italian culture it was time for him to head back to London. His flair for
fashion, textiles and understanding trends brought him into the textile industry where he created designs for
UK and international clients – both for fashion and for commercial merchandise displays.
Recognizing his own eye for trends and styles, he set up his own London based design company where he
designed, created and produced commissions for international Museums, top show rooms, personal clients
and clientele such as Palazzo Barberini Rome, Secession Museum Vienna, Harrods, St Paul Cathedral
London, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty of London to name a few.
Sandro's passion for the arts was never held in one direction. As he worked on one field he kept his love for
other fields alive in his personal time. His photographic work continued as he moved into digital fields and
he began to experiment in art projects and observation of the culture of today – of sexuality, sub-cultures,
taboo subjects and bringing full circle the pull that brought him to London. But never being one to sit still
and accept, Sandro now digs deeper and explores the issues in modern family, childhood influences (some
his own and some observational), violence, religion and how function rides alongside dysfunction. In
addition to his study of life and culture, he was recognized for his ability to catch real life in motion when
commissioned to document the 50th Anniversary of, and state re-opening by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,
the Royal Festival Hall. His candid and expertly executed documentary can still be seen gracing the
exhibition spaces today.
Again spotting the trends before others, Sandro moved to Berlin to be among the up-and-coming new arts
scene. This not only seemed the right move artistically, it also brought him to the attention – once more –
of the arts movement in Rome and he was invited to establish part of an international art project based in
his town of birth.
By William Graham (BSc), January 2009
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