Memphis A Design Movement

Memphis A landmark in design history Heralded as the new International style Aimed to: –Eliminate peaceful conformity i.e. not to do something because thats the way its always been done. –Present alternatives to late 1970s formal design culture –Revive radical design –Break down social class barriers (make design accessible to everyone) –Inject flair with colour and materials Ginza Robot Cabinet 1982 Dubline Sofa 1981

Memphis – the history Led by Ettore Sottsass Formed in 1981 Sottsass was described as a forward-looking designer who was also mischievous Disbanded in 1988

Sottsass Products Inspiration from popular culture, travel. Colourful Humorous! New materials: Formica, Laminates Experimented with ceramics and fibreglass Ceramic Teapot Basilico 1969 Fibreglass furniture 1970

Sottsass Products Products were typically home artefacts which followed the doctrine of design for all and created bright, interesting, functional products and allowed all social classes access to these products. Sottsass and later the Memphis group, adopted a revival of radical design and wanted to move away from dark, often black products which were boring and mundain. Plastic laminate surfaces, ceramics and fibreglass allowed expression, creativity and an injection of colour and excitement. Altair VaseDeneb Glass 1982

Sottsass Style All products continued in the theme and had the Sottsass characteristics: bold, bright, vibrant colours, exotic laminates and veneers with wild patterns, geometric shapes and most of all; a sense of fun! Valentine Typewriter for Ollivetti in 1969

Memphis Products Carlton Cabinet 1981 Typical Memphis style with all themes: (colour, shape, materials). Casablanca Sideboard 1982 Influence from travel – Can you guess where? Beverly Sideboard 1981 Memphis Barstool Carlton Cabinet 1981 Casablanca Sideboard 1982

Memphis Products Ashoka Lamp Belvedere TableDAntibes CabinetSuperlampLapislazzuli Teapot Piccadilly Table Lamp MirrorLamp

Sottsass and Memphis The Influences on other Products Responsible for transforming colours used Introduced new materials and combinations of materials. Broke down class barriers – design for everyone! Transformed Interior products – glassware, ceramics, lighting, cabinets etc. Questioned tradition and accepted designs. Injected humour into products Question - Where would you have to go to buy modern Memphis inspired products nowadays?