fun is the future.

11. April 2021

„oh, how cute!“ – if you’re a disney fan, these objects may make your heart beat faster. but they are more than just early disney licensed products: they are rare pieces of postmodern design history. designer pierre colleu, born in 1948, studied product design at the ‚ecole des arts appliqués à l’industrie‘ in paris. he founded his own studio (find out more below), worked as an expert in the usage of new materials in design, architecture and the building industry overall and was responsible for the development of new products at the ‚institut des arts et techniques des polymeres‘. he presented innovative ideas on television, took part in exhibitions from las vegas to beijing and was awarded with innovation and design prizes, from water treatment to renewable energy.

his company, ‚groupe impact design‘, „has made it its mission to develop furniture for the 21st century: furniture for living, furniture for dreaming, furniture that makes life easier and more pleasant. It has developed resources modelled on those of the automotive industry: a research and product simulation centre, a machining centre for prototypes in various materials, the production of complex tools, the development of new techniques and a research department for intelligent furniture.“

as a true innovator pierre colleu designed futuristic vehicles, lightweight bioclimatic houses, fiberglass chairs, rolling furniture – most of it really experimental and avantgarde. and also some fun objects, like furniture in the shape of cartoon characters. these unique disney licensed objects were produced by starform in the eighties in small series. 

the cabinet forms mickey’s „square body“ with four drawers, sitting on yellow „feet“. the head on top is pretty realistic in its character, arms and hands are added, the left hand holds a platter ideal for your wallet, key and sunglasses (or your kids crayons). 

the ‚pluto‘ table mimics mickey’s pet dog, a yellow-orange color, short-haired dog with black ears. he’s seen in typical running posture with raised paw and waving ears. its flattened body houses a hinged lid, under which there is space for a pad and crayons, for example.

‚mickey mouse‘ chest of (four) drawers by pierre colleu for disney, manufactured by starform, france, 1980s, painted resin, laminated wood, plastic. good original condition with minor wear, consistent with age and usage.

b: 100 cm, h: 117 cm, t: 60cm; w: 39.5 in, h: 46 in, d: 23.5 in

‚pluto‘ kids table / play desk, by pierre colleu for disney, manufactured by starform, france, 1980s, painted resin, laminated wood, plastic. good original condition with minor wear, consistent with age and usage.

b: 130 cm, h: 89, 51,1 cm, t: 47 cm; w: 51,2 in, h: 35, 21,1 in, d: 18,5 in

sources:

groupe impact design website

viadeo, journal du net