Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007), Carlton bookcase, Italy, 1981

The first collection of Memphis created in 1981 comprised of 52 pieces in the areas of furniture, lighting, ceramics and glass. It questioned the criteria of functionality and defended the eclecticism of materials including the use of plastic laminate. Ettore Sottsass designed Carlton, a bookcase that became a domestic totem. It has five levels, the brightly coloured geometric forms of which are assembled like a house of cards.