Memphis - Carlton Bookcase

The Carlton is the definitive icon of the 1980s Memphis Group, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. This monumental room divider and bookcase subverted traditional design by using vibrant, "cheap" plastic laminates instead of fine wood. Its playful, totemic silhouette resembles a colorful robot or a house of cards, intentionally prioritizing bold decoration and emotion over the rigid functionalism of the era.

Structurally, the piece is a complex arrangement of multi-colored geometric shapes built on a system of equilateral triangles. While it functions as storage, its primary role is as a piece of "anti-design" art that challenges the boundaries between high and low culture. Today, it remains a permanent fixture in major museums like the Met and Victoria and Albert, representing a turning point in postmodern history.

Physical Dimensions

• Height: 196 cm (approx. 77.2 in)

• Width: 190 cm (approx. 74.8 in)

• Depth: 40 cm (approx. 15.7 in)

• Weight: Approximately 120 kg (265 lbs) 

Technical Specifications

• Primary Materials: The core structure is made of wood—specifically Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) or wood veneer—which is entirely covered in decorative plastic laminate.

• Finish: Features a high-gloss finish with a signature "Bacterio" (dotted) patterned laminate at the base.

• Storage: Includes two red drawers located just above the base.

• Assembly: The unit is composed of horizontal, perpendicular, and angled sections based on a system of equilateral triangles that provide structural support for the slanted shelves.

• Origin: Handmade in Italy by Memphis

• Each piece is typically sold as an unlimited but numbered edition and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and a stamped "Memphis" metal label.