Joe Colombo

(1930 - 1971)

Italian industrial designer Cesare "Joe" Colombo began his creative life in 1951 not in design, but as a painter and sculptor. By 1955, however, he gave up the fine arts entirely in favor of industrial design. Over the course of his career, he was responsible numerous pieces of furniture, lamps, doorknobs, wristwatches, and other elements of daily life. His work will be most remembered, however, for the "space-age" and Pop movement inspired shapes for which he became so well known. Tragically, Colombo passed away at the early age of 41. It is awe inspiring to consider what else this prolific and groundbreaking designer might have added to our object culture if his career would have continued beyond these short 16 years in the industry.

Learn More At ...

• The Joe Colombo Studio
• Design Museum: Joe Colombo
• Wikipedia: Joe Cesare Colombo