Espresso Machines as art and design

[phaelon56]

Consumer espresso machines in this day and age are rarely executed with the intent of making design statements - they tend to be focused primarily on functionality (some, such as the Francis Francis series and the new Isomac Rotary are exceptions to that rule.

The golden era of commercial espresso machine development was integrally involved with the culture of industrial design that has permeated so many Italian products. It occurred to me to mention a book from my collection: "Espresso Made In Italy - 1901 through 1962".

The web site includes some of the beautiful photographs included in that tome. Machines in Enrico Meltoni's private espresso machine museum served as subjects for the photographs. It's an intriguing look at a progression in both functionality and design. I'll advise that the book, a soft cover full color edition, provides commentary in both English and Italian but falls short of providing real insight into the marriage of art and design and the importance of coffee culture that typifies these machines. That's okay - I bought it just for the pictures!

Espresso Made In Italy Museum

[Cynthia G]

Thanks, Owen. Very interesting.

I really like the way they have the social history commentary running along the side of the piece.... even including a nod to Charlie Parker!

[malachi]

the golden days are hardly over...