Italian: The playful design of Piero Fornasetti

You’ve probably seen them before — those dreamy eyes, nose, and lips of 'la musa' Lina Cavalieri, repeated again and again on plates, clocks, and furniture. They are the unmistakable hallmark of Italian designer Piero Fornasetti.

This 9-week course is aimed at robust lower intermediate to upper intermediate learners and takes an interactive and hands-on approach to explore Fornasetti’s surreal and witty imagination, language, and creativity.

Together, we’ll look at how his playful style bridges art and function, and use a touch of our own imagination to understand and complement his unique aesthetic.

About the Tutor

Dr Federica Ferrieri has lived in Northern Ireland since 2010, after spending time in the Netherlands and Greece. She holds a PhD in Modern Greek Language and Literature, and her expertise lies in both the theory and practice of language teaching.

She works as a Civic Engagement Officer at Queen's University Belfast, and she also continues to pursue her passion for teaching foreign languages – mainly Italian. She served as the Italian Honorary Consul in Northern Ireland from 2016 to 2025.

Federica is particularly interested in projects that connect language learning with arts-based approaches, restorative justice, diversity and representation.