'Marilyn' sofa by Studio 65
Object No. 85/83
The Bocca sofa is one of the most recognised examples of designs from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The design for this sofa was originally inspired by a mid-1930s Mae West Lips sofas designed by Salvador Dali. It was nicknamed ‘Marilyn’ by Eleanor Stendig, wife of Charles Stendig who was the New York-based US importer of Gufram furniture during the 1970s and ‘80s. After the mysterious death in 1962, the famous film star and celebrated icon Marilyn Monroe continued to resonate within popular culture and her distinctive red lips are idolised in this iconic piece of furniture. Studio65 sought to rebel against tradition or as articulated in their manifesto create designs that were a "slap in the face of the public tastes". The Bocca sofa howerver succeeds on many levels it is at once ironic, sensual and symbolic. Studio65 was established in Turin, Italy by architect Franco Audrito. It was one of a number of Italian design teams to successfully ride a new wave of design. Campbell Bickerstaff, curator 2018 Ferruccio Tartaglia, Turin, June 2015 Franco Audrito, Turin, 2015
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Summary
Object Statement
Sofa, 'Marilyn' or 'Bocca' (mouth), moulded polyurethane foam / stretch nylon fabric, designed by Studio 65, made by Gufram, Turin, Italy, 1970
Physical Description
'Marilyn' sofa of moulded polyurethane foam in the form of a pair of lips, the back forming the upper lip and the seat the lower lip. Upholstered in red stretch nylon fabric with a red zipper to the back of the semi-circular shaped base.
DIMENSIONS
Height
815 mm
Width
2085 mm
Depth
705 mm
Weight
130 kg
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed by Studio 65 and made by Gufram. Studio 65 was established in Turin, Italy by architect Franco Audrito. It was one of a number of Italian design teams to successfully ride the wave of innovative design, mostly in the pop idiom in the 1960s. Its evocative shape would not have been possible without polyurethane foam or the lipstick red synthetic fabric covering. The availability of new materials (Polyurethane body and synthetic textile) made the realisation of the form a lot simpler and lighter compared to traditional materials.
HISTORY
Notes
This sofa was purchased from Copeland & de Soos in Woolahra, Sydney, by the Powerhouse in 1985 to develop the furniture collection and the first furniture exhibition at the new Museum's 1988 opening, 'Take a Seat'. It had originally been purchased by a Sydney family in New York in 1972. While the sofa is named 'Bocca' by the sofa's maker, Gufram, 'Marilyn' is a commercial nickname given by Eleanor Stendig, wife of Charles Stendig who was the New York-based US importer of Gufram from the 1970s to 80s and the origin of this very sofa (see history tab). The name 'Marilyn' and its association with Marilyn Monroe was felt to be a more appealing name for Americans while Bocca (Italian for mouth) would not necessarily have been understood by English speakers.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1985
Acquisition Date
21 January 1985
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