With over fifty years of expertise in metalworking, Mingardo, an Italian design and craftsmanship brand, is proud to actively take part in the fight against cancer with "A flame for research", a fundraising initiative in support of the Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute IRCCS.

On the occasion of the Milan Design Week, a numbered collection of candle holders will be showcased in an exhibition curated by Federica Sala, at Offstage, piazza Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli, 4. Offstage was also in charge of the exhibition design in the space. The pieces are conceived by a selection of internationally acclaimed designers: Michele De Lucchi, Jaime Hayon, Philippe Malouin, Alberto & Francesco Meda, Luca Nichetto, Matteo Thun, Patricia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders studio, Panter & Tourron and Federica Biasi (who is also art director of Mingardo).

The exhibition design is entrusted to the architectural firm Offstage. After the exhibition, the candleholders will be auctioned by Cristiano De Lorenzo at Christie's. The auction will take place in the spaces of Marienco, in via Ampola 18 on September 15th. The proceeds will be entirely donated to the Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute IRCCS, concretely implementing the scientific research against cancer.

The idea was envisioned by Daniele Mingardo, head of the homonymous metal carpentry, following a personal experience: "In 2013, my mother left us because of pancreatic cancer. She used to work here at the workshop, alongside my father and me. It was a few years ago, and now I finally have the chance to do something meaningful for someone, just as I would have appreciated if this had happened to my mother. And I am willing to make a concrete gesture by doing what I do best: being a blacksmith."

How is it possible to contribute to the fight against cancer in a tangible way, when your area of expertise does not involve scientific skills? The answer to this question is in the name of the project itself: “A flame for research”. This fundraiser was conceived as a flame to fuel the research fire and a symbol of hope.