This year for Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, EDITION presents a tribute to the bold, daring, and imaginative designs that defined an era of innovative creativity. EDITION is a covetable and curated range of limited edition and bespoke products for collectors of art and design. With furniture, sculpture and pieces created by some of the world’s most inspired and distinguished designers, EDITION attracts the attention of local and international design collectors and aficionados.

Welcome to the main event: The launch of Memphis Milano

Memphis Milano was a revolutionary design movement founded in 1981 by the legendary Ettore Sottsass. It quickly gained international acclaim for its vibrant, avant-garde approach that defied traditional design norms. Characterised by bold colours, geometric shapes, and whimsical patterns, Memphis Milano brought a refreshing sense of playfulness to the world of furniture and object design.

Memphis was born as a lab for the development of new project ideas and soon became a cultural phenomenon. With Ettore Sottsass as the point of reference for the group, and with Barbara Radice as artistic director, the first collection was presented at Salone del Mobile in 1981. From the start, Memphis' design has represented a new expressive concept that is tied to new shapes, new materials, new patterns, and that has redesigned living habits by revolutionising their logic and conquering the design world.

All Memphis Milano furniture and objects on display at our EDITION installation will be available for purchase and have an authenticity certificate and guarantee stamp issued.

Carlton room divider, 1981

Undoubtedly, Ettore Sottsass' most iconic creation, the vibrant Carlton, effortlessly combines the functions of a room divider and a bookcase, presenting itself as a full-sized sculptural marvel. Originating in 1981, the Carlton marked a pivotal moment in design history as an integral part of the inaugural collection by the newly formed Memphis Group. The bookcase features colourful laminate shelves with angled supports at varying degrees and two convenient pull-out drawers at its core.

First Chair, 1983

Designed by Michele De Lucchi, the First Chair is an artistic fusion of playful geometry and bold colours and as the name suggest was the first chair designed for the collection. Its asymmetrical form challenges traditional notions of seating while exuding an undeniable sense of whimsy and creative freedom.