"Laszlo Hoenig, a Hungarian designer in Mayfair - the Italian connection." lecture by John Hoenig FRSA Cultural Programme Harold Acton Library British Institute of Florence Lungarno Guicciardini, 9 6.00pm Weds 20th November 2013
Abstract: Laszlo Hoenig was an Austro-Hungarian architect, interior designer and cabinetmaker who practised in Berlin until 1933 when he relocated to England rather dramatically due to the political climate of the time. Within a few years, he had opened his London design studio and showroom in Mayfair and continued a successful career in business as an interior designer and maker of bespoke furniture for mostly private and some corporate clients, until his death in 1971. He was able to balance the styles from several periods whilst at the same time his work possesses a distinctive and timeless quality of its own. The talk will also focus on his relationship with Piero Fornasetti and Giò Ponti - and the visits to Milan and Florence in the early sixties resulting in the re-designed London showroom being opened by the Italian Ambassador. Biography: John Hoenig was born in London, educated at Haileybury College and began his theatre career with the National Theatre at the Old Vic. After 30 years in Sydney as a lighting designer and stage director, John relocated to Florence in order to study Renaissance art history and develop inter-disciplinary theatrical, musical and arthistorical presentations to be staged in authentic locations. John is currently undertaking Mannerist and Modernist research at museum libraries in Florence and London. He regularly presents guest lectures and continues to produce ephemeral events - including founding the San Giovanni Battista arts festival. John was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts in recognition of his cultural & philanthropic endeavours.
www.johnhoenig.com
www.britishinstitute.it