Kartell
Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, an Italian chemical engineer, when it began making articles like car accessories, household goods, lamps and labratory equipment from plastic. Kartell owes its huge commercial success to this product, which is ironic given that for many for many years it was regarded as an inferior material. Kartell made a major contribution to its re-evaluation, to the extent that it now enjoys equal status with other materials. Previously boring household goods were transformed by the Kartell's chief designer, Gino Colombini, into bright and bold colourful, coveted object of design. By the beginning of the 1960s the plastics which had been developed by Kartell were so strong that it became possible to use them in the production of furniture. The stackable K4999 child chair, designed by Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso and made of polyethylene is a pioneering example. From then on Kartell undertook research in its own labratories in conjunction with leading designers of the time such as Achille Castiglioni, Vico Magistretti and Jo Colombo - trailblazing members of the italian design scene - which enabled them to develop their creations using a variety of new, patented materials. The 4867 stackable chair by Jo Colombo is, for example, one of the Kartell's largest successes and longest runners and Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili storage units, still in production, was revolutionary in that they can be assembled without bolts or hinges. These, as well as all other Kartell designers, have continued to interpret the Kartell brand in their own way whilst adhering to its core value and challenges - without compromising the material or its performance.
Kartell's ongoing development with plastic continues to inspire us, challenge convention and push the boundaries of modern design. The introduction of Ron Arad's Bookworm and Philippe Starck's range of polycarbonate furniture (La Marie, Louis Ghost, Charles Ghost, Francois Ghost, Lou Lou Ghost) never ceases to amaze.
The elements used in Kartell plastic are also very eco-friendly. They are made from petroleum which can be easily recycled.
Kartell products are now distributed in 85 countries and Utility is a leading UK dealer / stockist.
