Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Portrait of Guido Drocco & Franco Mello.

Designers

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO

Guido Drocco and Franco Mello helped define the irreverent spirit of Italian radical design with Cactus, conceived in 1972 for Gufram. At once a sculptural object and a functional coat stand, the hand-finished polyurethane form challenges the boundaries between art, design and utility. Kalkeriet Contemporary presents a selection of Cactus editions, from classic colourways to contemporary interpretations, each retaining the design’s unmistakable wit and presence.

The Cactus family

Gufram · The radical-design icon in hand-finished polyurethane

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Nerocactus

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Nerocactus

1972 / 2010 · Edition of 500 · Hand-finished polyurethane · Gufram

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Gammablue

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Gammablue

2024 · Edition of 365 · Hand-finished polyurethane · Gufram

Contemporary editions

New colourways and limited editions · Gufram

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Another Green

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Another Green

1972 / 2018 · Hand-finished polyurethane · Gufram

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Another White

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Another White

1972 / 2018 · Hand-finished polyurethane · Gufram

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Boring Cactus

GUIDO DROCCO & FRANCO MELLO, Boring Cactus

1972 / 2025 · Hand-finished polyurethane · Gufram

Selected by Kalkeriet

Curated pairings

Fine art photography and artist-designed rugs selected in dialogue with Cactus, its witty transformation of the everyday and the expressive visual culture of Italian radical design.

KATERINA JEBB, Blonde Hair Brush

KATERINA JEBB, Blonde Hair Brush

2007 · Chromogenic print on velour · Edition of 30 + 1 AP An ordinary object transformed into a monumental image mirrors Cactus’s playful rethinking of function.

CALLE HENZEL, Massima Allegri (Raw Ice Cut Edit)

CALLE HENZEL, Massima Allegri (Raw Ice Cut Edit)

2024 · Hand-knotted wool & silk rug · High / low cut · Edition of 99 + 1 AP Its crystalline texture and sculpted surface offer a striking material contrast to Cactus’s playful form.

SIMONE STEENBERG, Naja (The Claw)

SIMONE STEENBERG, Naja (The Claw)

2024 · Signed C-type photograph · Numbered editions An expressive gesture and graphic silhouette echo the playful anthropomorphic character of Cactus.

CLIVE ARROWSMITH, Bowie Turning, London

CLIVE ARROWSMITH, Bowie Turning, London

1977 · Archival pigment photograph · Signed and numbered editions Bowie’s theatrical movement brings a pop-cultural rhythm to the irreverent spirit of radical design.

Reserve or enquire

Select a work to request a reservation, ask about availability, or discuss an acquisition with our advisory team. We will respond personally with details and next steps.

A reservation is only confirmed after written confirmation from Kalkeriet Contemporary.

For direct contact: info@kalkeriet.com +46 79 33 63 270

Collector & client services

We provide individual guidance on Cactus editions, finishes, dimensions, availability, acquisition and international delivery.

Availability & reservations

Editions, lead times and shipping arrangements are confirmed individually before any reservation or acquisition is finalised.

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