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 Cincinnati - Blue Ash
KitchenAid Artisan Series Yellow 5 Quart Stand Mixer With Accessories
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Enameled Champagne Bottle Charm
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Rectangular Drop Link Earrings
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Elizabeth Lincoln for Rookwood Pottery Floral Design Ceramic Vase, 1930
1. A mix of scale and shape used to create abstract designs
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Henredon Houndstooth-Upholstered English Roll-Arm Easy Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
English Cut Glass Decanters with Sterling Silver Rims and Decanter Tags, 1930s
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
French Miniature Tea Service and Dinnerware with Presentation Case
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Walter Stomps Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting "Galactic Border No. 1"
2. Bright colors in unusual hues
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Grey Iron Casting Co. "Queen" Cast Iron Miniature Reproduction Toy Stove
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Drexel Custom-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Media Armoire, Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Dee Sudbury Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting Of Flower Field, Late 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Watson Sterling Baby Utensils with Floral Motif and Dog Portrait
3. Patterns, such as squiggles, stripes, and checks
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1950s Rhinestone Miriam Haskell Brooch
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Mahogany-Stained X-Back Armchair, Manner of Barbara Barry
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
18K Lattice Pendant Necklace
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
N. Ming Stylized Oil Portrait, 21st Century
4. Materials like laminate, Terrazzo, and industrial products
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Large Louis XV Style Painted Trumeau Mirror
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jack Meanwell Abstract Oil Pastel Drawing, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fred Aris Serigraph After Paul Klee "Figure in the Garden"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Swedish Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Glass "Feathers" Etched Glass Bowl
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