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Memphis Milano Bookcases

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. Today, the Memphis Milano brand, which is managed by Alberto Bianchi Albrici, still produces designs created by the group between 1981 and 1988.

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 Memphis Milano seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Memphis Milano
Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown an authentic and perfect reproduction of the Carlton bookcase, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The vivid colors and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Casablanca Wood Cabinet, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Casablanca Wood Cabinet, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Casablanca Wood Cabinet, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Casablanca cabinet designed in 1981 for Memphis by Ettore Sottsass, in wood and plastic laminated colors. This is an unlimited edition with a number...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Suvretta bookcase in plastic laminate was originally designed in 1981, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Gritti Bookcase, by Andrea Branzi for Memphis Milano Collection
Gritti Bookcase, by Andrea Branzi for Memphis Milano Collection

Gritti Bookcase, by Andrea Branzi for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Gritti bookcase in plastic laminate, wood, metal and glass. Designed in 1981, by Andrea Branzi. Andrea Branzi, architect and designer, born in Florence,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Metal

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Cabinet mod. Casablanca
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Cabinet mod. Casablanca

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Cabinet mod. Casablanca

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Turin, Turin

Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981
Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981

Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981

By Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Gritti bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis. Bookcase made of wood covered with decorative laminate and natural wood essence, decorative metal elements and glass tops. A perfect exa...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian modern laminate bookcase Suvretta by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981
Italian modern laminate bookcase Suvretta by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981

Italian modern laminate bookcase Suvretta by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern laminate bookcase Suvretta by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981 Suvretta bookcase entirely made of wood and covered in Formica. The front features three green laminate...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Formica, Wood

'Carlton' Room Divider and Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy
'Carlton' Room Divider and Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy

'Carlton' Room Divider and Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in London, GB

Probably the most iconic of all Ettore Sottsass' designs, the colourful Carlton is half room divider, half bookcase and full size sculptural marvel. Des...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Italian modern laminate bookcase Carlton by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981
Italian modern laminate bookcase Carlton by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981

Italian modern laminate bookcase Carlton by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern laminate bookcase Carlton by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1981 Carlton bookcase made entirely of wood, covered in colorful Formica: yellow, green, black, pink, red, or...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Formica, Wood

Carlton 30th Anniversary Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Design
Carlton 30th Anniversary Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Design

Carlton 30th Anniversary Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Design

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Ravenna, IT

Carlton is the most famous and iconic of all the objects designed for Memphis Milano. The piece was designed by Ettore Sottsass and first presented at the historic Memphis exhibition...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Memphis “Phoenix” Bookcase By Michele De Lucchi, Milan, 1983
Memphis “Phoenix” Bookcase By Michele De Lucchi, Milan, 1983

Memphis “Phoenix” Bookcase By Michele De Lucchi, Milan, 1983

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in ABCOUDE, UT

The extraordinary “Phoenix” Bookcase, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Michele de Lucchi, and produced by the influential Memphis Group in Milan in 1983. Known for...

Category

1980s Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Lodge Bookcase in Wood by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Collection
Lodge Bookcase in Wood by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Collection

Lodge Bookcase in Wood by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Lodge bookcase with four drawers in wood by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano collection Additional information: Bookcase with four drawers. Structure in in wood finished with pla...

Category

2010s Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Italian modern Glass, wood metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi Memphis, 2000s
Italian modern Glass, wood metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi Memphis, 2000s

Italian modern Glass, wood metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi Memphis, 2000s

By Andrea Branzi, Memphis Milano

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Glass, wood and metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, 2000s Floor bookcase mod. Gritti with a rectangular base, in wood, glass and metal. The peculiarity...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Malabar Bookshop by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milan
Malabar Bookshop by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milan

Malabar Bookshop by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milan

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Ravenna, IT

Malabar is a cabinet-bookcase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano in 1982 and purchased in 2000. Production number 21. Sold with certificate of Authenticity. Featuring she...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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Ettore Sottsass Style Postmodern Magenta and Orange Lacquered Cabinet

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An exceptional Postmodern magenta and orange lacquered cabinet, bookcase, or bar cabinet In the manner of Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 51.25"W x 2...

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Princess Diana's the Althorp Estate Living History Collection Library Bookcase
Princess Diana's the Althorp Estate Living History Collection Library Bookcase

Princess Diana's the Althorp Estate Living History Collection Library Bookcase

By Theodore Alexander, Thomas Chippendale, Brights of Nettlebed

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, now discontinued, Thomas Chippendale Library bookcase which is an exact authorised copy of one from Princess’s Diana’s family home, the Althorp Estate, it was part of the Living History collection, made by Theodore Alexander and retailed through Brights of Nettlebed The Althorp estate is widely considered one of, if not the finest English country home left standing. You can see clips of the tours online, the place is an absolute marvel of English history. The estate is owned, and has been by the Spencer family’s for over 500 years, I’ll include the history below. The estate is currently in the stewardship of the Earl of Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother The bookcase itself is very fine, in flamed mahogany with a very regal oxblood velour lining. The handles inside the top section are leopard’s heads, you have two hidden drawers to the top, the right one has the Althorp family crest inside. The piece also has a removable coat of arms, armorial crest to the middle top Condition wise this piece is exquisite, there is very little in terms of wear or use, it has been cherished since new and is a very fine piece indeed Dimensions Height:- 202cm Width:- 81.5cm Depth:- 41cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point Althorp History  Althorp (popularly pronounced /'??l???rp/ AWL-thorp) is a Grade I listed stately home and estate in the civil parish of Althorp, in West Northamptonshire, England of about 13,000 acres (5,300 ha). By road it is about 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the county town of Northampton and about 75 miles (121 km) northwest of central London, situated between the villages of Great Brington and Harlestone. It has been held by the prominent aristocratic Spencer family for more than 500 years, and has been owned by Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer since 1992. It was also the home of Lady Diana Spencer (later Princess of Wales) from her parents' divorce until her marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales. Althorp is mentioned as a small hamlet in the Domesday Book as "Olletorp", and by 1377 it had become a village with a population of more than fifty people. By 1505 there were no longer any tenants living there, and in 1508, John Spencer purchased Althorp estate with the funds generated from his family's sheep-rearing business. Althorp became one of the prominent stately homes in England. The palace dates to 1688, replacing an earlier house that was once visited by Charles I. The Spencer family amassed an extensive art collection and other valuable household items. During the 18th century, the house became a major cultural hub in England, and parties were regularly held, attracting many prominent members of Great Britain's ruling class. George John, 2nd Earl Spencer, who owned Althorp between 1783 and his death in 1834, developed one of the largest private libraries in Europe at the palace, which grew to over 100,000 books by the 1830s. After falling on hard times, John Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer, known as the Red Earl, in 1892 sold much of the collection to Enriqueta Rylands, who was building the University of Manchester Library. Many of Althorp's furnishings were sold off during the twentieth century, and between 1975 and 1992 alone approximately 20% of the contents were auctioned. The house at Althorp was a "classically beautiful" red brick Tudor building, but its appearance was radically altered, starting in 1788, when the architect Henry Holland was commissioned to make extensive changes. Mathematical tiles were added to the exterior, encasing the brick, and four Corinthian pilasters were added to the front. The grand hall entrance to the house, Wootton Hall, was cited by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as "the noblest Georgian room in the county". The Great Dining Room in the east wing extension of the house was added in 1877 to designs by John Macvicar Anderson, its walls hung with faded, red damask silk. Numerous fireplaces and furnishings were brought to Althorp from Spencer House in London during the Blitz for safekeeping and still remain. The Picture Gallery stretches for 115 feet (35 m) on the first floor of the west wing, and is one of the best remaining examples of the original Tudor oak woodwork and ambiance in the mansion. It has an extensive collection of portraits, including Anthony van Dyck's War and Peace, a John de Critz...

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Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps
Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps

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By Gumps, Johan Tapp

Located in Lafayette, IN

Spectacular burled cabinet/wall unit designed by Johan Tapp for Gumps. Cabinet features beautiful book-matched burl veneered doors, solid brass hardwa...

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20th Century Black Painted Display Bookcase Glazed Cabinet
20th Century Black Painted Display Bookcase Glazed Cabinet

20th Century Black Painted Display Bookcase Glazed Cabinet

Located in Kvidinge, SE

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Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum

Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum

By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri

Located in Meolo, Venezia

Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce canaletto finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...

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2010s Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

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Suvretta Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
Suvretta Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

Suvretta Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie

“Suvretta” is a Romansh word (language spoken in Engadine) that means: “above the small forest”. Like rows of overlapping trees, the books placed on the green shelves of Suvretta tak...

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1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

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Nairobi Bar Cabinet by Ettore Sottsass
Nairobi Bar Cabinet by Ettore Sottsass

Nairobi Bar Cabinet by Ettore Sottsass

H 74.8 in W 33.5 in D 21.65 in

Nairobi Bar Cabinet by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Doral, FL

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1980s Italian Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

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Pontile bookcase and cabinet, in oak wood by AccardiBuccheri for Medulum
Pontile bookcase and cabinet, in oak wood by AccardiBuccheri for Medulum

Pontile bookcase and cabinet, in oak wood by AccardiBuccheri for Medulum

By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri

Located in Meolo, Venezia

Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Oak wood finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a brick red protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Cod. e DIM: — PON bookcase W200 x H200 x D40 cm MATERIALS: oak wood COLORS: colors head poles Design by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in legno di rovere finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...

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Wood, Oak

Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum

Pontile Bookcase, in canaletto walnut, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum

By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri

Located in Meolo, Venezia

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2010s Italian Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

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Wood, Walnut

Revolving Bookcase by Thonet
Revolving Bookcase by Thonet

Revolving Bookcase by Thonet

H 84 in W 58 in D 58 in

Revolving Bookcase by Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Revolving bookcase by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.

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Bookcase by C.M. Varos for La Casa Moderna, Italy, 1950s
Bookcase by C.M. Varos for La Casa Moderna, Italy, 1950s

Bookcase by C.M. Varos for La Casa Moderna, Italy, 1950s

Located in Milan, IT

Wall shelving system by C.M. Varos for La Casa Moderna. Wood and brass wall uprights, adjustable brackets and wood shelves. Literature available upon request.

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1950s Italian Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Memphis Milano Carlton Shelf by Ettore Sottsass
Memphis Milano Carlton Shelf by Ettore Sottsass

Memphis Milano Carlton Shelf by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Toronto, ON

An absolute icon of Memphis designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Carlton fully represents the programmatic intention of the group: the desire to transgress with an irreverent, unorth...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Previously Available Items
Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981
Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981

Gritti Bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, Italy, 1981

By Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Gritti bookcase by Andrea Branzi for Memphis. Bookcase made of wood covered with decorative laminate and natural wood essence, metal elements and glas...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Memphis Milano bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Memphis Milano bookcases are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Memphis Milano bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 2 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original bookcases by Memphis Milano were created in the modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookcases by Ettore Sottsass, Glas Italia, and LapiegaWD. Prices for Memphis Milano bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,003 and can go as high as $20,367, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,855.