Disegno, a new UK-based design magazine and website, has posted a short article this morning by ODL Studio member Tim Parsons, entitled The Legacy of Memphis. Published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the first Memphis collection at Milan's Arc' 74 gallery, the piece discusses the movement's founding ideas, lack of commercial success, vast influence, mythology, and critical perceptions.

An excerpt:

As is written in design folklore, Memphis' founding members Martine Bedin, Aldo Cibic, Michele De Lucchi, Matteo Thun, Marco Zanini, George Sowden and Ettore Sottsass, almost missed the opening of their first exhibition. Traffic on Milan's narrow roads were at a stand-still because of the thousands of people that attempted to get into the Memphis opening at the Arc' 74 gallery on 18 September 1981. That is just one of many mythical stories that the design collective created during its short existence – Sottsass departed in dramatic fashion already in 1985. Dazzled by its glossy, colourful surface treatments and its media-savvy, its critics dismissed Memphis as shallow and attention seeking, while its plaudits considered it groundbreaking.

Read the full article here.

We're excited about Disegno, too, Founded by design critic Johanna Agerman Ross, the site is "dedicated to international architecture, design and fashion. It's a unique concept that aims to encourage debate and acknowledge the interplay and cross-pollination of these disciplines." Disegno is updated every weekday.