Not currently on display at the V&A

Phil

Condiment Set
1982 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This condiment set was designed to be economically produced for mass consumption. The name Phil was given to it because the word resembles 'filo' (wire). It comes in more than one combination, but all designs are based on the same principle; steel wire is looped around various glass shapes. The Phil series was intended primarily for institutional use has sold very well in this area by it has been equally successful in the domestic market. In 1984, coloured versions in white, black, yellow and red steel were introduced and have proved very successful with the younger market.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 9 parts.

  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Cruet
  • Condiment Set
TitlePhil (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Stainless steel and glass
Brief description
Condiment set, stainless steel and glass, Italy, Milan, made by Alessi, s.p.a., designed by Achille Castiglioni, 1982.
Physical description
This set contains four vessels for oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. The stand is a flat rectangular sheet of steel with semi-circular ends; the turned over rim forms the edge on which the stand rests. The upper surface of the base plate is decorated with a textured surface, imprinted on to the steel sheet which gives an effect of slight relief and hides possible imperfections caused by manufacturer. The handle is a single sheet piece of steel wire attached to the centre of the base plate. It extends vertically and is bent in the form of a continuous, triangular loop at the top to serve as a carrying handle. Four circular wire loops are attached near the base of the carrying handle grouped in diametrically opposite pairs which serve as holders for the glass vessels. The loops for the salt and pepper shakers are squat, cylindrical, glass vessels with the upper and lower rims recessed; the upper has a thread for the cover while the lower rim nestles in the loop of the holder. The oil and vinegar bottles, one of which is taller than the other, are narrow cylindrical bottles which are slightly waisted in the centre. The bases are flat and rest on the steel tray of the holder and the tops have extruded, nylon pourers. All vessels have a stainless steel, domed cover with a narrow rim. Those for the salt and pepper shakers are perforated.
Dimensions
  • Height: 27cm
  • Width: 13.3cm
  • Depth: 13.5cm
Taken from register
Style
Credit line
Given by the manufacturer
Object history
Given by Alessi through their British agents, Penhallow Marketing Ltd, Sheffield.
Historical context
This condiment set was designed to be economically produced for mass consumption. The name Phil was given to it because the word resembles 'filo' (wire). It comes in more than one combination, but all designs are based on the same principle; steel wire is looped around various glass shapes. The Phil series was intended primarily for institutional use has sold very well in this area by it has been equally successful in the domestic market. In 1984, coloured versions in white, black, yellow and red steel were introduced and have proved very successful with the younger market.
Summary
This condiment set was designed to be economically produced for mass consumption. The name Phil was given to it because the word resembles 'filo' (wire). It comes in more than one combination, but all designs are based on the same principle; steel wire is looped around various glass shapes. The Phil series was intended primarily for institutional use has sold very well in this area by it has been equally successful in the domestic market. In 1984, coloured versions in white, black, yellow and red steel were introduced and have proved very successful with the younger market.
Bibliographic reference
Steel & Style, From Project to Product, The Story of Alessi Household Ware, Patricia Scarzella, Arcadia Edizioni, Milan 1985 (translated 1987) pp.117-118
Collection
Accession number
M.13 to H-1990

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Record createdFebruary 25, 2008
Record URL
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