Memphis design returns

For those who are too young to know, the Memphis group comprised of Italian designers and architects who created a series of highly influential products in the 1980's. Prepared to mix 20th century styles, colours and materials, it positioned itself as a fashion rather than an academic movement, and brought a sense of humour to the serious world of design. The leading figure was the grandee of italian design at the time Ettore Sottsass.

Picture: Tahiti, lamp designed by the memphis Design Group in the 1980s

Memphis was as much loved as it was loathed. But like much of the 1980s stykle, Memphis seems to be making a come back. Its influence on contemporary design can be spotted in the work of Marcel Wanders, Jamie Hayon and Karen Ryan.

Picture: Table and chair by Karen Ryan

Picture : Sideboard by Jamie Hayon has an unmistaken memphis identity

So you see the 1980 was not all about bad hairstyles and strange silhouettes. The design was pretty bad too. Or was it brilliant?