Wendingen: The Dutch Architecture Magazine Born During WWI

The exhibition 'Wendingen' at the Labirinto della Masone in Fontanellato showcases the complete collection of the Dutch architecture magazine Wendingen, published from 1918 to 1932. Founded by Hendricus Theodorus Wijdeveld, the magazine aimed for a 'total reconciliation of the arts' and a 'universal stylistic principle.' Its innovative square format (33×33 cm), Japanese binding, sans-serif font designed by Wijdeveld, and lithograph or woodcut covers by various artists made it a collector's item. The magazine was produced by the Architectura et Amicitia association and featured extensive coverage of Frank Lloyd Wright, dedicating seven issues to him. Notable cover artists included El Lissitzky and Jan Toorop. The exhibition also presents works by local artists Amedeo Bocchi and Galileo Chini, exploring connections to Jugendstil. Graphic designer and publisher Franco Maria Ricci, who collected all 116 issues, published a volume on Wendingen in 1986 with an introduction by Paolo Portoghesi, which is reproduced in the current catalog.