1980’s: Carlton Room Divider

History

Ettore Sottsass Jr. , a member of the influential designer group Memphis,  created and presented this room divider in 1981. It was one of the most memorable items of that Memphis presentation. The nonconformist design of geometrical shapes, African totemic influences, bright but carefully selected colours was typical for the symbolism combined with bold consumerism. Additional advantage is that Carlton can be completely dismantled.

Designed by

Ettore Sottsass  an Italian designer (born in Innsbruck, Austria in 1917, died in Milan, Italy in 2007)

Dimensions

Height 195.5 cm, width 190cm, depth 40 cm

Materials

Wood, laminated plastic

Elements and Principles

Form is the main Element, and Pattern is the governing Principle of this iconic design. Geometric forms of rhomboids are arranged in a geometrical pattern resembling native totemic structures, as well as a human stick figure and a tree.

Manufactured by

Memphis s.r.l., Pregnana, Milanese, near Milan, Italy

Used by Designers

Carlton room divider is a most spectacular piece of furniture, like a modern sculpture. While it retains the features of a room divider or a bookcase, it is best presented on its own. It is not an item used frequently by designers. It will look great in modern interiors. It can be a feature of a modern open-space residential living area but it can also be used in a stylish bar, cafe, art gallery or modern library.

Replicas

Originals are being manufactured and can be purchased from the Memphis Milano Store. There don’t seem to be replicas of this iconic item available on the market.

Contemporary interpretations and influences

Lego artist Nathan Sawaya created his interpretation of the Carlton.

In 2014 Christopher Labrooy created Floppy Carlton, replacing laminates with corian.

Resources

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.460.1ab

http://www.design-museum.de/en/collection/100-masterpieces/detailseiten/carlton-ettore-sottsass-jr.html?desktop=1&cHash=1edbd2646495f65cdf06d45071671706

http://www.storiaolivetti.it/percorso.asp?idPercorso=604

http://www.theimagist.com/taxonomy/term/3580

 http://www.chrislabrooy.com/floppy_carlton.html

http://store.memphis-milano.com/furniture/memphis-milano/ettore-sottsass/carlton