In 1994, I designed the Novella handle together with Roberto Volontiero, whom I remember with great fondness. We were both beginners (novellini, in Italian) in this field, so it was a pleasant surprise to be met with success at our first try – it made us very enthusiastic. I remember that our first (pencil!) drawings were so elementary that the first models the company made did not even include some of the surfaces we intended them to have. So we decided to study them on our own in every last detail by making our own model. After that, we always presented our designs in a model. I’d like to mention signor Barbaglia, the workshop supervisor, who contributed to the definition of the beautiful lever handle. We established a wonderful relationship of collaboration and esteem with him after an initial moment of mutual “wariness”. The simple, smooth line of the handle was inspired by the leaf of an olive tree, seen in its gently curved surfaces and delicate, fluid grip. That was over 20 years ago. I admit that I am still amazed at its longevity!
Nicola Novelletto
