The Easel

In memoriam: Enzo Mari (1932-2020)

Mari was nothing if not unconventional. He skipped secondary school in favour of street peddling, before later studying fine arts. An avowed communist, he wanted his designs to be affordable but also interesting for workers to make. Chairs, household products and DIY furniture all brought him acclaim, and a reputation as an uncompromising critic of poor design. Said one peer – “He’s a genius. Grumpiest man on the planet”. Images are here.