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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
Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Titicaca porcelain vase was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982, winks an eye to the largest lake in South America, its design follows a line of experimentation with a dis...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection

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 Yellow EU 220V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
Super Yellow EU 220V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

Super Yellow EU 220V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the EU 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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Piccadilly Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Gerard Taylor from Memphis Milano
Piccadilly Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Gerard Taylor from Memphis Milano

Piccadilly Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Gerard Taylor from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Gerard Taylor

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the EU wired, Piccadilly table lamp made in metal and plastic laminate, designed in 1982, by Gerard Taylor. Gerard Taylor ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Terminus floor lamp with Structure in painted sheet steel. One bulb 12V, 50W., designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Martine Bedin is an industrial d...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group

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

14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Astidamia glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Astidamia Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed “E.Sottsass ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass

Indivia Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Indivia Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Indivia Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Indivia ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of the design items are a reminder o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Baykal Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano

Baykal Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Baykal Flower Vase was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in architecture at the University of Florence and perfects...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Bay Table Lamp USA, 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Bay Table Lamp USA, 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Bay Table Lamp USA, 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Bay Table Lamp in glass, aluminum and plexiglass, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sotts...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Hollywood Steel Coffee Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
Hollywood Steel Coffee Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection

Hollywood Steel Coffee Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Peter Shire, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Hollywood laminated and lacquered steel coffee table, designed in 1983 by Peter Shire. Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park district of Los Angel...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Cauliflower Fruit Bowl, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano

Cauliflower Fruit Bowl, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier

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

Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano

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

Carrot Flower Vase, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano

Carrot Flower Vase, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Carrot ceramic vase was originally designed by Nathalie du Pasquier in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The transmuted ceramic arises in geometric compositions ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Celery Serving Plate, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano
Celery Serving Plate, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano

Celery Serving Plate, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Celery serving plate was originally designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1985. Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence during the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, 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

Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano

Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano

By Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Ceramic three-level fruit bowl originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The three geometrical shapes in three colors complete the idea of a trilogy. Marco Zan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

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

Super Blue Table Light USA 110 Volts, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Coll.
Super Blue Table Light USA 110 Volts, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Coll.

Super Blue Table Light USA 110 Volts, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Coll.

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the US wired, Super Blue table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options also include: Yellow, White with Colored Sockets, and all White. EU VERSION 220v ALSO AVAILABLE IN ANOTHER LISTING 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

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.

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

12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

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

Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano

Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Andrea Branzi, Memphis Milano

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

Italian home decor Murano Glass Ashtray Luigi Serafini Memphis 1980s
Italian home decor Murano Glass Ashtray Luigi Serafini Memphis 1980s

Italian home decor Murano Glass Ashtray Luigi Serafini Memphis 1980s

By Memphis Group, Luigi Serafini

Located in Nicolosi, IT

An icon of postmodern Italian design, this catchall/ashtray was conceived in the 1980s by Luigi Serafini for the Memphis Extrà line. Hand-crafted in Murano, it measures 25 × 20 × 2.5...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, 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

Ashoka Metal Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
Ashoka Metal Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

Ashoka Metal Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, 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

Super White with Colored Sockets EU 220V, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

Super White with Colored Sockets EU 220V, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the EU wired, super white table or floor lamp in fiberglass with multicolored light bulbs. Designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Martin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun

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

Super Yellow USA 110V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano
Super Yellow USA 110V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano

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

CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.
CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.

CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.

By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two Chairs Mod. "First" by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Ready to Ship
Two Chairs Mod. "First" by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Ready to Ship

Two Chairs Mod. "First" by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Ready to Ship

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Madrid, ES

Set of two chairs mod. "First Chair" designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, with structure in metal, seat backrest and armrests in lacquered wood in different colors. Ital...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection
Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection

Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Javier Mariscal

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.

Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.

By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini

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.

Questions About Memphis Group Furniture

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    What 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    The 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Numerous 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, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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.