Memphis Design
This post-modern design movement was started in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass in Milan as a response to the clean aesthetic and minimalist attitude of mid-century modern design. In contrast, Memphis design sought to push the boundaries of design with a focus on the radical, unusual, and funky. Pulling inspiration from the art deco and pop-art periods, it projects an array of bold shapes and bright colors. The movement took roots in Sottsass’s design and architecture collective, Memphis Group or Memphis Milano, and set itself apart from the way in which it used and perceived materials, creating a sense of unreality to trick the eye into what it was seeing.
In recent months we have curated and sold many unique pieces that follow the lead set by Memphis Milano and the furniture, lighting, ceramics, and objects that were created in their studio.
Discover the movement’s characteristics as demonstrated by our catalog:
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Tiffany & Co. "Man in the Moon" Sterling Silver Baby Rattle, 2008-2023
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mesh Bib Necklace
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Still Life Oil Painting of Iced Tea in Mason Jar With Lemon Slice
1. A mix of scale and shape used to create abstract designs
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K 1.00 CTW Diamond Band
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Garncarek Aleksander Pond Landscape Oil Painting "Staw," 2024
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mid Century Modern Style Walnut Sculpted Front Nightstand Commode
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Rookwood Pottery Floral Basket Art Tile, Early to Mid 20th Century
2. Bright colors in unusual hues
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Rejina Pyo x Projekt Produkt RP-11 C03 Sunglasses
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Ballard Designs Hutch-Shaped Office Armoire
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hudson River School Oil Painting of a Hunter on a Lake, Late 19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
English Georgian Style Pine Two-Drawer Table with Carved Skirt, 19th Century
3. Patterns, such as squiggles, stripes, and checks
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Lyngby Danish Porcelain Demitasse Coffee Service, 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Ballard Designs "Garden District" Mirrors in Weathered Finish
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Eastlake Style Birdseye Maple and Single Drawer Desk, Late 19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Alfio Grasso Oil Painting of Seated Nude "Sunset," 1970
4. Materials like laminate, Terrazzo, and industrial products
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Wooded Landscape Oil Painting of Pond
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
German Hanau 800 Silver Pierced Repoussé Courting Scenes Candlestick, 19th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Halftone Print After Tadashi Asoma's "Lily Pond in Summer"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
U.S. Army Type A-4 Leather Navigator's Briefcase, Mid-20th Century
The name of the movement originates from the night in which the Memphis Group was started. Ettore and his contemporaries were discussing design while at a party. Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again” was playing in the background and thus the name was pulled from that moment. Together this collective set out to change the face of design; each going on to create various design pieces in the Memphis style.
The Memphis movement set itself apart from previous movements through the strength of its designs. By skewing traditional uses of scale, color, pattern, and shape, the Memphis movement ultimately changed the previous perception of design. However, such bold designs did not equate to great commercial success and the movement subsequently came to an end in 1987. However, its avant-garde style did manage to attract the attention of notable collectors, such as Karl Lagerfeld and David Bowie.
With mid-century modern gaining mass popularity in recent years, it makes sense that now Memphis design is increasing in popularity as well, though the movement’s short lifespan is making it harder for collectors seeking an original design. Some original designs are still in production today and larger retailers are beginning to embrace the once-snubbed movement, manufacturing designs with striking similarities to those of the 80s.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia