Dear Sophie -
ETTORE SOTTSASS was a major player in Milan, practicing architecture, industrial design, furniture and ceramics. He lead the Memphis design group which invented new forms in the 70's/80's, blending tradition with invention playfully combining materials such as patterned laminates with rare marbles.
His designs were commissioned by ALESSI and the VALENTINE typewriter he designed for OLIVETTI is one of the great objects of desire.
He also did some architectural projects including a private home near Telluride.
If you want to know more, uncle Al is an expert!
With love,
Mom