memphis
DESCRIPTION
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 that’s the way it’s always been done”. Present alternatives to late 1970’s formal design culture - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Memphis
A Design Movement
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Memphis• A landmark in design history• Heralded as the new ‘International style’• Aimed to:
– Eliminate “peaceful conformity”i.e. not to do something “because that’s the way it’s always been done”.
– Present alternatives to late 1970’s 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
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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
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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
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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 Vase Deneb Glass 1982
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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
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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
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Memphis Products
Ashoka Lamp
Belvedere Table D’Antibes Cabinet SuperlampLapislazzuli Teapot
Piccadilly Table Lamp
Mirror Lamp
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Sottsass and MemphisThe 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?