Memphis Group Furniture
Italian
To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look.
The Memphis story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the Milan Furniture Fair the next year, determined that all the new furniture they were then seeing was boring. Their mission: Boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. (Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, designed in 1970, embodied many of what would become the collective’s postmodern ideals.)
The group decided to design, produce and market their own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut, at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile, drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles.
So as a record of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile” played on repeat, they took their name from the song, devised their marketing strategy and plotted the postmodern look that would come to define the decade of excess — primary colors, blown-up proportions, playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art. A high-low mix of materials also helped define Memphis, as evidenced by Javier Mariscal’s pastel serving trays, which feature laminate veneer — a material previously used only in kitchens — as well as Shiro Kuramata’s Nara and Kyoto tables made from colored glass-infused terrazzo.
An image of Sottsass posing with his collaborators in a conversation pit shaped like a boxing ring appeared in magazines all over the world, and Karl Lagerfield furnished his Monte Carlo penthouse entirely in Memphis furniture. Meanwhile, members like Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Sottsass and his wife, journalist Barbara Radice, went on to enjoy fruitful careers.
Some people think of the Milan-based collective as the design equivalent to Patrick Nagel’s kitschy screenprints, but for others Memphis represents what made the early 1980s so great: freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors.
Eventually, the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990s minimalism, and Memphis fell out of fashion. Sottsass left the group in 1985, and by 1987, it had disbanded. Yet decades later, Memphis is back and can be traced to today’s most exciting designers.
“As someone who was born in the 1980s, Memphis at times feels like the grown-up, artsy version of the toys I used to play with,” says Shaun Kasperbauer, cofounder of the Brooklyn studio Souda. “It feels a little nostalgic, but at the same time it seems like an aesthetic that’s perfectly suited to an internet age — loud, colorful and utilizing forms that are graphic and often a little unexpected.”
Find a collection of vintage Memphis Group seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Memphis Group
Madras Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier, from Memphis Milano
By Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Madras table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern top, designed in 1986 by Nathalie du Pasquier.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Laminate
Santa Monica Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Santa Monica by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Ceramic pendant lamp.
Light is E26 or E27. Shade size is f 30/H 12 cm. cable 120cm.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Super Yellow USA 110V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Super Yellow table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options also include: Blue, White with Colored Sockets, and all White.
Martine Bedin was born in Bordeaux in 1957. In 1981 she was one of the founding members of the Memphis group, she works as an architect, industrial designer and professor. Her works are exhibited in many museums and private collections.
Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional information:
- Dimensions: L. 17.75" x H. 11.75" inches
- Lighting Info: Bulb E14, W 40.
- Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket.
- Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets.
- If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Fiberglass
Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Kariba fruit bowl was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis.
Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Salzburg Academy of A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Garda White Porcelain Amphora was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis Milano.
Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Sa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bombay Side Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier, from Memphis Milano
By Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Bombay side table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern top, designed in 1986 by Nathalie du Pasquier.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Laminate
Victoria Ceramic Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Victoria Flower vase in ceramic with ceramic flower, was originally designed in 1982 by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Clesitera glass vase with pendant, was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Orinoco Ceramic Vase, by Masanori Umeda from Memphis Milano
By Masanori Umeda, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Orinoco Vase in ceramic, was originally designed in 1983 by Masanori Umeda.
Was born in 1941 at Kanagawa in Japan. He obtained his diploma from the Kuwasawa School of Design in Tok...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Alcor Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alcor Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Labrador sauce-boat was originally designed by Andrea Branzi in 1982. This piece is featured in brass with plated silver 925, or in solid 925 silver. Prices may vary for the soli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Brass, Silver
Volga White Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Volga Vase for one flower in decorated white porcelain, was originally designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano.
Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Os...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Squash Light Blue Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Maria Sanchez
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Light Blue Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Neobule Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The Vase is glass blown and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tray in white porcelain. The Manitoba tray was originally designed in 1982 by Matteo Thun, and belongs to the Memphis Milano Collection 1981-1988. The white porcelain tray...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ashoka Metal Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, Ashoka table lamp in lacquered metal, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Rigel Glass Bowl was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. The piece features blue, black, green, red and clear glass with lid and ste...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Super White with Colored Sockets USA 110V by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano C.
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Super White table or floor lamp in fiberglass with multicolored light bulbs. Designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin.
Martine Bedin was born in Bordeaux in 1957. In 1981 she was one of the founding members of the Memphis group, she works as an architect, industrial designer and professor. Her works are exhibited in many museums and private collections.
Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of new design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional information:
Dimensions: L. 17.75" x H. 11.75" inches
Lighting info: Bulb E14, W 40.
-Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket.
- Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets.
- If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Fiberglass
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Pasifil Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, made in blown Murano glass. Signed on the base, for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Ashoka Metal Table Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano C.
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Ashoka Table Lamp in lacquered metal, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Torino. One of the most influential and important figures of the last century. As an Architect and Designer, he has participated in all radical movements whether created from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981 he founded the Memphis group, a group that has radically changed the scenario of Italian and world design. Honored with numerous international awards, was winner of the Golden Compass in 1959. He designed the first laptop "Valentina" by Olivetti. He died in 2007 at the age of 90 years.
Memphis Milano is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional Info:
- Dimensions: W 29, D 5, H 35.5 inches
- Lighting Info: 1 X 50 W, 12 V - 5 X 40W. (E14)
- Materials: Lacquered metal.
- Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket.
- Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets.
- If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Squash Gold Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Maria Sanchez, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Gold Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest object...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Cauliflower Fruit Bowl, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Cauliflower ceramic fruit bowl was originally designed in 1985 for Memphis Milano by the ingenious pattern designer of the Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier. Enthusiastic, expl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The 13 Malide glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Malide Glass” collection. Made in Murano glass, and signed on the base “E.Sottsa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl was designed for Memphis in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass. This bowl features a tapering cylindrical shape with three green handles, with the side decorated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Laurel Table Lamp (EU) 220 Volts, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Laurel Table light is wired with EU voltage accessibility, and originally designed in 1985 by Peter Shire. The light fixture is in sheet steel, painted dark-blue, purple, green a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Steel
Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base.
Et...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Tigris Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The "Tigris" porcelain vase, comprised of stacked, spouted and coiled forms covered in powder blue, white and black glazes, Memphis Milano collection. The Tigris Vase was originally ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in Beirut, LB
The Chad teapot (1981) disrupts the habitual characteristics of the object, thanks to a circular form with a hole in the middle.
Matteo Thun wagers on white for a series of objects ...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with EU wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Midcentury Memphis style black red Umbrella stand / Cane holder
By Memphis Group
Located in Valladolid, ES
Fun and original Memphis style umbrella stand, made in the 1990s in Italy. Very decorative, it reflects the aesthetic principles of Ettore Sottsass, characterized by the use of geome...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Ana Ceramic ceiling lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The lamp is numbered and does not include the bulb.
Born 1952 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Post Modern Memphis Milano, 1980s Oceanic Table Lamp by Michele de Lucchi
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Renens, CH
Authentic vintage Oceanic table lamp by Italian architect Michele de Lucchi for the Memphis movement in the early 1980s. De Lucchi was one of the co...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Javier Mariscal, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hilton trolley in lacquered metal and crystal glass, designed in 1981 by Javier Mariscal.
He was born in Valencia in 1950. In 1971 he moved to Barcelona to study Graphic Design at the Elisava School. There he came into contact with comic book writers and illustrators of the time, such as Mique Beltrán, Daniel Torres and Sento. Together they set up "El rollo enmascarado", a group specialized in underground comics. In the 1980s, he worked as interior designer. In these he collaborated with Memphis Among his best known works are Cobi, the mascot for the 1992 Olympic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The lacquered metal Rossella Ceiling Lamp, with EU wiring accessibility, was designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Memphis Group furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Memphis Group furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Memphis Group furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 33 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 132 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Memphis Group were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Fulvio Bianconi, Ferruccio Laviani, and Rodolfo Dordoni. Prices for Memphis Group furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $104 and can go as high as $23,720, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,266.
Creators Similar to Memphis Group
Questions About Memphis Group Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The Memphis Group is famous for creating the most radical and attention-getting designs of the postmodern period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. Its story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair. Their mission was to boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. The group decided to design, produce and market its own collection, one that wouldn't be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut at Milan's 1981 Salone del Mobile drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles. The group remained active until the 1990s. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group was an art and design collective formed in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass. The group debuted in 1981 and continued working together until 1987, producing furniture, decorative objects and textiles. Shop a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- Who was in the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Numerous artists and designers were in the Memphis Group. Ettore Sottsass founded the collective and served as its leader. Other members included Aldo Cibic, Andrea Branzi, Javier Mariscal, Martine Bedin, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Michael Graves, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Peter Shire and Shiro Kuramata. You'll find a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group was created by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass to bring together artists and designers with similar visions. He hoped to combine the ideas of all the members and create single furniture and decorative object designs under one name. You'll find a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- Who founded the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Italian designer Ettore Sottsass founded the Memphis Group in 1980 to fulfill his vision of having a team of like-minded designers collaborating to produce unique furniture and decorative objects. In 1981, the group held their first exhibition and continued to design together until 1987. You'll find a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group designed a wide variety of items from 1980 to 1987 when the collective was active. Their designs included furniture and textiles as well as decorative objects made out of ceramics, metal and glass. Shop a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group formed in 1980 when Italian designer Ettore Sottsass invited fellow artists and designers to band together and create a collective. In 1981, the group debuted with a show in Milan, Italy, and continued to collaborate until disbanding in 1987. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group had an eclectic style created by combining the creativity of numerous artists and designers. Its furniture, textiles and decorative aspects blend elements of Pop Art and Art Deco design. Shop a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group debuted their designs in 1981 with an exhibition at the Salone del Mobile of Milan in Milan, Italy. Although many people criticized their designs at the time, the design group developed a cult following that boasted famous creatives like fashion designer Karl Lagerfield and musician David Bowie. Shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group got its name from the Bob Dylan song "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again." During the group's first meeting led by Italian designer Ettore Sottsas the song was on repeat, and the gathered artists and designers drew inspiration from the title. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture on 1stDibs.
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