The culture of plastics

Plastic culture. The enduring lure of a material for over 60 years. Italian company Kartell, founded in 1949, is famous around the world for having invented the culture of plastic furniture and interior furnishings. Particularly since the plastic-loving era of the 1960s and 70s, Kartell has become an enduring household name; from the iconic designs of Joe Columbo in the 1960s to more recent hits such as Philippe Starck's "Ghost Chairs" or Ron Arad's "Book Worms" shelves, Kartell has consistently chosen to work with the world's most talented designers while reinventing plastic as a quality material for the new age. This survey covers the entire history of the company decade by decade, exploring all aspects of its evolution as well as the social and technological qualities of Kartell products. Also included are interviews with "Mr Plastic" Claudio Luti, director of Kartell for more than 20 years and architect of the new boom, historians, and, star designers, as well as those involved in the production process, illuminating every step from the idea to the finished product.