Clam boxes, design Alan Fletcher, circa 1970

Pair of Clam Boxes designed by Alan Fletcher in the late 1960s, produced by Mebel in Italy. Each consists of two identical molded plastic shells, which fit together using an ingenious notched system inspired by the shapes of Edam cheese. The bold, contrasting blue and yellow colors are characteristic of the pop aesthetic of this period. Functional and graphic, they can be used as a pocket emptier, desk organizer, or simply as a decorative object. They can be used separately or combined. Each box is signed: "Mebel, Italy, des. A. Fletcher." Italy, circa 1970. Bibliography: Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 60's decorative arts, Taschen, Koln, 2001, p. 10.