Alessandro Mendini was born in Milan in 1931. Through his work as an architect, designer, journalist, theorist and publisher, Mendini helped establish the Italian design sensibility on a global scale with a particular focus on neo-modern, avant-garde design as well as the crossover between art, design and architecture.
Mendini’s influential work spanned the arenas of graphics, furniture, interiors, architecture, stage design, writing and painting. He graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1959, and he began his career at the studio of artist-designer Marcello Nizzoli. He went on to become the publisher of the popular magazines Casabella (1970–76), Modo and Domus (each 1979–85).
In 1979, Mendini joined Ettore Sottsass and Michele de Lucchi as a partner at Studio Alchimia, a harbinger of the Memphis Group before he cofounded Domus Academy in 1982. In 1989, he and his brother Francesco established their architectural practice, Atelier Mendini, in Milan, where he worked until his death in February 2019. In recognition of his outstanding body of work, Mendini was awarded the Compasso d’Oro twice, in 1979 and 1981. He was also honored by the Architectural League of New York, made Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in France, and, in 2014, he was awarded the European Prize for Architecture.
Mendini’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, among others.
Find vintage Alessandro Mendini chairs, vases, table lamps and other furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by STUDIO CADMIUM)
Spanish Mid-Century Olive Wood Pepper Mill with Brass Finial, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined example of spanish mid-century tableware, this pepper mill is crafted from beautifully turned olive wood, showcasing the species’ distinctive, expressive grain. Its elegant...
Brass
French Mid-Century Olive Wood Pepper Mill with Brass Finial, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined example of french mid-century tableware, this pepper mill is crafted from beautifully turned olive wood, showcasing the species’ distinctive, expressive grain. Its elegant,...
Brass
1950s French Terracotta Abstract Sculpture with Marble Base
By Henri Laurens, André Bloc, Jean Arp
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This terracotta sculpture from the 1950s originates from a workshop in the south of France. Despite a few minor imperfections, it perfectly embodies the artistic spirit of that era. ...
Marble, Brass
20th Century Glass Design by Claude Morin Modern Bottle Vase
By Claude Morin
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Claude Morin (1932-2021) One green glass bottle or vase by french artist Claude Morin Signed and dated on the back. MORIN 25 11 78 Original perfect condition.
Blown Glass
Lens-Shaped Pewter Vase – French Dinanderie Work, 1970s
By Virebent 1, Yves Mohy, Jean Dunand
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An elegant lens-shaped vase in hand-hammered pewter. A refined example of French dinanderie from the 1970s, this piece reveals a subtle mastery of metalwork — its softly undulating ...
Pewter
Arisztid Szendy – Early Aluminum Sculpture - France - 1970s
By Arman, César Baldaccini
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A stunning aluminum sculpture stamped "SZENDY", a creation by French artist Arisztid Szendy (1936-2013). This early work from the 1970s was crafted using repurposed mechanical parts,...
Aluminum
Postmodern Rare Corkscrew, Wine Opener, Alessi, Alessandro Mendini, 2003, Italy
By Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - practical - marked
Metal, Chrome
Alessandro Mendini Collectable Postmodern Wine Opener by Alessi Signed & Number
By Alessi, Alessandro Mendini
Located in San Diego, CA
Alessandro Mendini wine bottle opener series made for Alessi in 2006 dated and numbered as shown great condition.
Metal
Contemporary Modern Vase "A" Designed by Alessandro Mendini Edited by Superego
By Alessandro Mendini, Superego
Located in Madrid, ES
Vase "A" made in enameled pottery, designed by Alessandro Mendini. Signed and numbered 22/99 at the base, Italy. Alessandro Mendini was an Italian designer and architect who played ...
Pottery
Alessandro Mendini Model Naos 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Alessandro Mendini, Superego Editions
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 Columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini large ceramic Totem in limited edition, prod. Superego
By Superego Editions, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Parma, IT
Large Ceramic totem designed by Alessandro Mendini for Superego. In glazed and silver-plated ceramic, limited edition product, signature and numbering on the bottom. In excellent con...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini Model Opistodomo 12 Colonne Collection Superego Editions
By Alessandro Mendini, Superego Editions
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Ceramic sculpture of the 12 Columns collection designed by Alessandro Mendini and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography Alessan...
Ceramic
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.
Aided by photos taken of the maestro in his Milan studio, we honor the influential design talent who died last month at 87.
