From mid-century furniture to contemporary lighting, Andrea Vella Borg and his wife have built a remarkable collection that reflects decades of Italian design excellence.

Italian design represents more than aesthetics for Andrea Vella Borg and his wife Julia – it’s a lifelong passion that shapes their daily environment and collecting philosophy. Their home showcases carefully selected pieces from legendary Italian designers, each chosen for its craftsmanship, timeless appeal and the story it tells. Together, they’ve developed an approach to collecting that balances investment value with personal connection, focusing on quality over quantity and authenticity over trends.

Malta-based collectors Andrea Vella Borg and his wife Julia have spent years cultivating an impressive collection of Italian design classics, from iconic furniture pieces to rare lighting fixtures and glasswork. Their shared appreciation for Italian craftsmanship extends beyond mere acquisition – they actively study design history, visit manufacturers’ archives, and engage with the contemporary design community to understand how Italy’s design legacy continues to evolve and influence modern aesthetics. What began as a chance discovery in Milan has transformed into a comprehensive understanding of post-war Italian design excellence.

The Beginning of a Shared Journey

Not every couple finds common ground in design collecting, but for Andrea Vella Borg and Julia, it happened quite naturally. Their first piece together was a vintage Artemide lamp discovered in a small shop during a trip to Milan roughly fifteen years ago. Neither had particularly strong design backgrounds at that point, but something about the lamp’s elegant form and quality construction sparked a conversation that lasted the entire journey home.

That lamp still sits in their entrance hall, though it’s now surrounded by considerably more accomplished company. What began as a casual interest gradually developed into serious collecting as they learned more about Italian design’s rich history. They started reading design magazines, visiting exhibitions, and making deliberate detours to cities known for their design districts whenever they travelled.

Focus on the Golden Era

While their collection spans several decades, Andrea Vella Borg and wife Julia have developed a particular affinity for Italian design from the 1950s through the 1970s. This period represents what many consider the golden age of Italian design, when innovation in materials and manufacturing techniques combined with exceptional creativity to produce pieces that remain influential today.

Furniture That Tells Stories

Their furniture collection includes several notable pieces. A pair of lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso occupies pride of place in their living room. These aren’t just beautiful objects – they represent a pivotal moment when Italian designers began experimenting with foam rubber padding and elastic webbing, creating furniture that was both comfortable and visually striking.

They’ve also acquired a dining table by Angelo Mangiarotti, whose work exemplifies the Italian approach to materials. The table’s marble top sits without fixings on its base, held in place purely by gravity and precise engineering. It’s a design that looks deceptively simple but required sophisticated understanding of stone properties and structural principles.

Lighting as Sculpture

Lighting represents another significant focus. Andrea Vella Borg has noted how Italian designers approached lighting fixtures as sculptural objects that happened to provide illumination, rather than merely functional items. Their collection includes pieces by Achille Castiglioni, whose playful yet rigorous approach to design produced lamps that are as relevant now as when they were created.

One of their most prized pieces is an early Arco lamp by Castiglioni for Flos. The dramatic arc of polished stainless steel, extending from a heavy marble base to suspend a spun aluminium dome overhead, demonstrates the bold thinking that characterised Italian design during this period.

The Hunt and the Collection Process

Finding authentic pieces requires patience and expertise. Andrea Vella Borg and Julia have developed relationships with reputable dealers across Europe, particularly in Italy, where they’ve built trust over years of transactions. They attend design fairs, monitor auction results, and stay connected with the collecting community through various channels.

Authentication Matters

They’re meticulous about authentication. Each piece is researched thoroughly before purchase, with particular attention paid to manufacturers’ marks, construction methods, and materials used. They’ve learned to spot reproductions and have occasionally walked away from pieces that seemed too good to be true.

Documentation is carefully maintained for every item. They photograph pieces from multiple angles, record any maker’s marks or labels, and keep all paperwork related to purchases. This isn’t just about investment value; it’s about understanding and preserving the history of each object.

Building Relationships

Some of their best acquisitions have come through relationships rather than formal channels. Estate sales, private collections being dispersed, and connections made through the design community have yielded pieces that rarely appear on the open market. Andrea Vella Borg and his wife have established themselves as serious, knowledgeable collectors who appreciate the cultural value of what they acquire.

Living With Design

What distinguishes their approach is how they actually use their collection. These aren’t museum pieces kept behind glass – they’re functional objects that form part of daily life. The Zanuso chairs are in regular use. The Castiglioni lamps provide actual illumination for reading and conversation.

This philosophy extends to maintenance and care. They’ve learned proper cleaning techniques for different materials, know which pieces require professional restoration when needed, and understand how environmental factors like humidity and light exposure affect various materials over time.

Key Elements of Their Collecting Philosophy:

Focus on authenticated pieces with documented provenance
Balance between iconic designs and lesser-known but significant works
Preference for pieces in original condition over heavily restored items
Emphasis on designers who advanced materials or manufacturing techniques
Integration of pieces into daily living rather than static display

As their expertise has grown, Andrea Vella Borg and Julia have become increasingly involved in Malta’s small but growing design appreciation community. They occasionally open their home to design students and enthusiasts, sharing knowledge about their collection and the broader context of Italian design history.

They’ve also begun considering how their collection might contribute to design education in Malta. While nothing formal has been established, conversations have started about potential collaborations with educational institutions or exhibitions that could make Italian design heritage more accessible locally.

The future of their collection remains open-ended. Andrea Vella Borg continues acquiring pieces when the right opportunities arise, though the focus has shifted somewhat towards contemporary Italian designers who are working within and extending the traditions they’ve spent years studying.

For those interested in starting their own exploration of Italian design, Andrea Vella Borg suggests beginning with research rather than purchasing. Understanding the historical context, learning about key designers and movements, and developing an eye for quality and authenticity creates a foundation for making informed decisions.