Ettore Sottsass has created a vigorous and refined style that has incisevely marked Italian design in the 20th century.

Born in Innsbruck in 1917, he graduated from university in 1939 and started his career as designer in 1947.

His wide-ranging talents have led him into many fields of activity including architecture, industrial design, furniture, ceramics, jewellery, graphics and handicrafts. At Olivetti he presided for many years over the design of computer products.

In the 70's, Sottsass inspired an experiment in radical architecture, joining in the partnership that founded "Global Tools", an independent school that encouraged the expression of strong, individual creativity in aspiring designers.

Ettore Sottsass is a passionate traveller driven by his love of foreign cultures and the desire to learn and teach around the world.

His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Milan Triennale and the Venice Biennale and published world-wide.