Radical Objects with Lasting Impact

In 1972, Drocco and Mello introduced the world to the Gufram Cactus coat rack, a four-armed, green polyurethane sculpture that defied all conventions of furniture design. This object blurred the lines between art and function, becoming an instant icon of contemporary Italian decor. Evoking both humor and high-end craftsmanship, the Cactus stood out in a market dominated by minimalism, offering an alternative vision of domestic space: one where accessories could also be provocations. Decades later, it remains one of the most collectible design furniture pieces in the world, still hand-finished and produced in limited editions.

Profile of Two Visionaries

Guido Drocco, born in 1942 in San Benedetto Belbo, pursued a career in both architecture and industrial design. After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Turin, he went on to teach architectural design at the same institution, nurturing generations of creatives. Franco Mello, born in Genoa in 1945, brought to the partnership a background in graphic design, publishing, and visual art. His collaborations span from Arte Povera to the Transavantgarde, working with artists such as Yves Klein, Alberto Burri, and Bridget Riley. Their multidisciplinary synergy gave rise to design works that feel more like manifestos than objects: playful, intellectual, and full of cultural references.

Design Beyond Function

With the Cactus, Drocco and Mello redefined what a designer decorative object could be. More than just a coat rack, it became a playful sculpture that challenged perceptions of space and utility. Today, collectors seek out the Gufram Guframini Cactus miniature, a tribute to the original design, in search of ways to bring this spirit into more intimate interiors. Found in the world’s most exclusive homes, galleries, and design fairs, these pieces continue to inspire those who value originality in their home accessories.

A Legacy That Grows

As part of the lineage of radical Italian design, Drocco and Mello’s work with Gufram is regularly cited in publications exploring the era’s artistic rebellion. Their iconic creations have come to represent a certain irreverent elegance that balances provocation with poetic form. Whether you’re exploring the story behind Gufram furniture or looking for a statement home decor piece with historic significance, their cactus-shaped sculpture offers both design and storytelling. Theirs is a design legacy rooted in critique, humor, and transformation; making even a coat stand a subject of conversation and admiration.