Bel Air chair, Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, 1982
The Bel Air armchair by Californian designer and ceramist Peter Shire has become an emblematic object of the Memphis Milano group and can be found in prestigious collections (Groningen Museum, Vitra Design Museum, MAK Frankfurt, among others). The asymmetrical backrest of the chair is inspired by shark fins and architect John Lautner’s Stevens House in Malibu Beach.
Bel Air armchair with wooden frame and foam padding covered with multicoloured cotton. Painted wooden base.
With manufacturer’s tag.
Early 80’s exemplar in good condition, with small tears on the armrest and small paint chips on the base.
Dimensions: 115 x 110 cm. H= 125 cm.
Founded in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass, the Memphis group has influenced the history of design since its inaugural exhibition in 1981. Alongside Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie Du Pasquier, Martine Bedin, Peter Shire, etc. are shaping a radical and playful anti-design, in reaction to the good modernist taste, which will become synonymous with postmodernism.
The whole Memphis Milano collection is available at Kissthedesign
