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
1950s West Germany Floral Brooch and Earrings Set Including Rhinestones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Old Staffordshire Figures of Cats
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Alexander McQueen Two-Way Handbag in Floral Leather
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Kitchen Aid Standing Mixing
1. A mix of scale and shape used to create abstract designs
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
BVLGARI Luky Cat Silk Scarf with Box
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Longines Diamond Dial Stem Wind Wristwatch
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hermes "Les Cavaliers d'Or" Scarf 90 in Silk Twill
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Block Langenthal Transition Interaction China Luncheon Set
2. Bright colors in unusual hues
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
C. Liton Copy Oil Painting After Cornelis Springer of Dutch Street Scene
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Danish Modern Teak and Custom-Upholstered Side Chairs, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Walter Stomps Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting "Galactic Border No. 7"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Amber Ring
3. Patterns, such as squiggles, stripes, and checks
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Alexander Calder Color Lithograph from Derrière le Miroir, 1976
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Stanley Furniture Faux Bamboo Oak, Cane and Glass Illuminated China Cabinet
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
L. Hils Hafele Desert Landscape Acrylic Painting, 1989
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Carved Wooden Wall Plaque with Floral Design
4. Materials like laminate, Terrazzo, and industrial products
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Citrine Necklace
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Block "Wyndham" Crystal Biscuit Barrels with Godinger and Other Biscuit Barrels
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Turquoise and Coral Cuff
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Peter Keil Abstract Portrait Acrylic Painting, Late 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