Perry King (1938–2020) was a British designer who chose Italy as the base of his career after studying in Birmingham. He joined the studio of Ettore Sottsass, then a consultant for Olivetti, where he developed a strong connection with Italian industrial design. In 1970, together with Santiago Miranda, King contributed to the design and international success of the Valentine portable typewriter, one of the most iconic products of 20th-century design. In 1976, King and Miranda founded Studio King Miranda, which later collaborated with leading furniture and lighting companies. Their work earned numerous international awards and recognitions.
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) was one of the most influential Italian architects and designers of the 20th century. Born in Innsbruck and educated at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Sottsass developed an eclectic and experimental approach to design. In 1981, he founded the Memphis Group, radically transforming the design landscape with bold colors, playful forms, and anti-rationalist aesthetics. His long collaboration with Olivetti produced award-winning projects such as the Elea 9003 computer and the Valentine typewriter. Spanning architecture, furniture, and everyday objects, Sottsass’s work established him as a central figure in modern and post-war Italian design.