Spontaneous Design

Simple items, repairs and inventions: signs and witnesses of ingenuity and creativity.

Solforatrice (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

Putting together different pieces to obtain an anti-pest sprayer.

L'elmetto comignolo (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

A practical and functional chimney pot.

La tenda con i tappi a corona (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

An auditory curtain that can keep away flies: made of thread and riveted crown caps, a little breeze or a small movement is enough to make it sing.

Valigia del soldato (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

The soldier’s suitcase. He made it with a few cans, opened and riveted, using it to return home.

L' elmetto scaldaletto (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

The best bed warmer: practical and spacious.

La giostra (20th Century) by Ettore GuatelliMuseo Ettore Guatelli

Carillon della giostrina
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He built a crib carousel for his child, salvaging wood from a crate, sculpting figurines of horses and other animals, and finding an old carillon mechanism.

La poltrona anatomica (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

A perfect ergonomic chair for someone with a stiff right leg and a bent spine who wants to have a relaxing rest.

Gabbia per pennuti (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

It was once an accordion case, then it proved useful as a portable pigeon cage with a handle.

Il portacandele con la molla di carro (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

All it takes is an old wooden clog and a wagon spring to build a functional candle holder.

Stappatrice per bottiglie (20th Century) by SconosciutoMuseo Ettore Guatelli

Ingenious corkscrews.

Appendiabiti della camera di Ettore Guatelli (20th Century) by Ettore GuatelliMuseo Ettore Guatelli

In Ettore’s room we find some repurposed clothes hangers that have found the perfect position over the heater.

Credits: Story

Text by Mario Turci.

English translation by Anna Giulia Compagnoni.

We would like to thank Patrick Leech and Anna Giulia Compagnoni (University of Bologna), Jessica Anelli, Mauro Davoli, Monica Citti.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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