Shaped by hand, guided by history
Leonardo Frigo is an Italian-born artist and artisan based in London whose work revives the nearly lost tradition of handcrafted globes. Rooted in the Renaissance traditions of cartography and inspired by the 17th-century teachings of the Venetian cosmographer Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, Leonardo blends historical technique with contemporary artistic vision.
His practice grew from a foundation in art restoration and printmaking, leading him from the detailed illustration of musical instruments to the meticulous craft of globe-making. Each sphere is shaped by hand, printed using copper plates and oil-based inks, and finished with natural pigments and materials sourced from artisanal ateliers across Italy.
Working from his London studio, Leonardo embraces a philosophy of intentional making: every surface, every axis, every line is considered. His globes exist as bridges between past and present: objects of contemplation, curiosity and dialogue, where history an d material converge. Leonardo’s work is collected privately and commissioned by patrons, designers and institutions who value craftsmanship that honours legacy while shaping the future of material culture.
Each globe is more than a map, it is a hand-forged celebration of human curiosity and the wonder of our world.
Tradition is not behind us; it is in our hands.
Trained in art and restoration in Italy, Leonardo Frigo’s early practice was rooted in drawing, print making, and the disciplined study of historical techniques. Before dedicating himself entirely to globe-making, he became known for his hand-painted violins and cellos, instruments transformed into narrative surfaces inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, which were exhibited in Italy and abroad.
The dialogue between arts
This dialogue between music, image, and history laid the foundation for his later work on the sphere. His globes have since been presented internationally, including at Homo Faber, where his practice was recognised for its commitment to reviving rare craftsmanship through contemporary vision.
