Ettore Sottsass in Domus

The history of Domus and that of Ettore Sottsass are permanently chained, since the designer contributed to carry out the magazine for a long time. We tell you about Sottsass with a selection of articles – from the magazine and from Domusweb – emphasising his many interests and facets. The collection proposes again some historical issues from the Sixties, e.g. a story by Lisa Ponti or the famous Valentine presentation; it includes the most recent monographic exhibitions, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth – at the Triennale di Milano, at the MET Breuer in New York, at the Venice Biennale and at the Vitra Schaudepot; it explores his ceramic, glass and photographic production…

– Lisa Licitra Ponti, an important protagonist in the history of Domus, paints a portrait of great Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, and sheds light on his connection with the magazine. – To pay homage to Ettore Sottsass on the centenary of his birth, Alfredo Taroni – lithographer in Como – unveils to Domus the contribution given by the designer to his art books collection.

– In 1969, Olivetti launched a fiery red portable typewriter which quickly became so iconic that it was already part of MoMA’s permanent collection by 1971.

– Curated by Barbara Radice, the exhibition “There is a Planet”, on show at the Triennale di Milano, marks the centenary of the birth of Ettore Sottsass.

– “Nice chaps, but naughty enough not to get taken in by ali the old chat about how complicated things are”: with these words, Ettore Sottsass introduced a radical Italian group in a 1965 issue of Domus.

– More than a classic retrospective, the New York Met Breuer’s exhibition dedicated to Ettore Sottsass is an exploration into the jungle of the Italian architect and designer’s interests.

– Considered one of the most influential and unconventional figures in twentieth-century design, Ettore Sottsass is celebrated through an exhibition at the Vitra Schaudepot.

Top: Ettore Sottsass, Showroom Esprit, Colonia, 1986. Photo © Aldo Ballo. Above: Ettore Sottsass, furniture, 1965. Courtesy Domus Archives

– A recent monograph on Ettore Sottsass is a multi-layered container, rich and complex like its protagonist who marked a profound and avant-garde turning point in twentieth-century design culture.

– The waggish designer discusses his “trivial” work in search of expressive new forms and dynamics.

– The exhibition in Venice celebrates the 100th anniversary of Ettore Sottsass and it records his polyhedral ceramic production made between 1957 and 1969.

–  Curated by Luca Massimo Barbero, the exhibition in Venice celebrates his glass and crystal production.

Ettore Sottsass, Showroom Esprit, Colonia, 1986. Photo © Aldo Ballo

– During the Fuorisalone 2017, Antonia Jannone Gallery celebrated the 100th anniversary of Ettore Sottsass with the second edition of an exhibition showcased in 1987.

– To coincide with Maison&Objet 2016, Kartell launched the Ettore Sottsass accessories range and the chairs upholstered in Memphis fabrics, which are now in production.

– In 2011, the exhibition at 21_21 Design Sight is a foray into a dream world that conveys a generous message of freedom to the new generations.