Icons from Italy

Heide Museum of Modern Art’s summer blockbuster exhibition is unveiling the breadth and beauty of Italian modernism through design. With over 170 objects spanning sixty years—from the first Milan Design Triennale in the 1930s to the Memphis Group of the 1980s—Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design explores the cultural impact of this period of creativity and invention, where a culture steeped in honing a craft met new advances in technology that expanded the field of design dramatically.

The exhibition includes vintage and re-editioned classic chairs and furniture, lighting, espresso machines, typewriters, and even a Vespa. From Gio Ponti to Ettore Sottsaas, some pieces in the collection are instantly recognisable, others may take you by surprise.

“We are delighted to be showcasing so many pieces from one of the most compelling and influential periods of design innovation, and which reflect significant shifts in Italy’s social, cultural and political landscape,” says Heide head curator Kendrah Morgan. “The exhibition is the result of extensive research and close collaboration with design experts. The objects have been sourced entirely from within Australia, thanks to the assistance of generous individual collectors and design enthusiasts.”

View, in pictures, the icons of a remarkable period of design.

Piero Fornasetti, Tema e Variazioni no.130, 1950s, porcelain.

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milan, Carlton Room Divider 1981, wood, thermosetting laminate, metal, plastic, 196 × 189.7 × 40.2 cm (overall). National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with the assistance of the National Gallery Women’s Association 1985 © Estate of Ettore Sottsas

Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, Sunset in New York Sofa 1980, synthetic materials, wood Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Gift of Cassina, 1985. Photograph Ryan Hernandez.

Corradino D’Ascanio for Piaggio, Vespa 150 GS 1958–61, painted steel and metal frame, rubber, leather, and plastic 108 x 71.8 x 170.8 cm.

Joe Colombo for Comfort, Italy, Elda 1005 Armchair 1963, fiberglass, reinforced plastic, leather, 93.5 x 99 x 80 cm. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Purchased 1988. Photograph Ryan Hernandez.

Ettore Sottsas and Perry King for Olivetti, Valentine Portable Typewriter, 1968, ABS plastic and other materials, 11.7 x 34.3 x 35.2 cm. Image courtesy Olivetti Archive, Ivrea, Italy.

Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, First chair 1983, lacquered metal and wood, 90.3 × 66.2 × 46.2 cm. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with the assistance of the National Gallery Women’s Association, 1985.

Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, Mezzadro Stool 1957, lacquered sheet steel, chrome-plated flat steel, steam-treated beech, 51 x 49 x 51 cm. Courtesy CULT, Melbourne.

Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia, UP5 Chair (La Mamma) 1969, polyurethane foam covered in stretch fabric. Armchair: 103 x 120 x 130 cm, Ottoman: 57 cm (diam.)

Gaetano Pesce, Pratt Chair 1984, polyurethane resin, 93.5 x 49 x 51 cm. Courtesy Neon Parc, Melbourne.

Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, Sella Stool 1957, bicycle seat, lacquered steel, cast-iron, 70 x 28 x 33 cm. Image courtesy Zanotta HQ, Italy.

Gio Ponti for Cassina, Superleggera Chair 1957, wood and cane, 83 x 41 x 47 cm. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Purchased 1985. Photograph Linda Warlond.

Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design
Heide Museum of Modern Art
On now—23 March 2025