The first complete and ultimate monograph on Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007), one of Italy's most famous designers. A unique collection volume that deals with all the different subjects that Sottsass developed, a complete treatise on his art.
In 1980 Sottsass Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) established the Memphis group, he is also known, amongst others, for his Olivetti typing machine “Valentine”. His work has earned worldwide respect, and is still a source of inspiration for young. The volume chronologically follows Sottsass’s career: every chapter focuses on a certain period and on the most important subject dealt with at that time, dawning on the influences and on the creative background. Richly illustrated with unpublished pictures from Sottsass private records, the book includes a section with his best drawings and sketches. Sottsass was a relentless drawer, he was inspired by all that surrounded him. During his long career, in every journey he took, he photographed thousands of people and places that would, later on, inspire him: from the portraits of his fellow soldiers during World War II to the hospital wards in California, all the way to India and Far East landscapes. His notebooks are full of pictures, drawings and sketches. The volume also contains reproduction of jewels, furniture and pottery which were other areas of interest of his creative genius.