Carlo Alessi was the chief designer of the Alessi company from 1935 until the early 80s. He took over the company from his father, Giovanni, after having worked in his metal workshop. Carlo designed many of the notable Alessi pieces, including the “Bombe” series. By the 1950s, he became managing director and moved the company from manufacturing crafted eating and drinking products into welcoming external designers from all over the world. Collaborations with artists such as Alessandro Mendini, Ettore Sottsass, Richard Sapper, and Achille Castiglioni helped bring Allesi into a new decade of design. Phillipe Starck’s Juicy Salif and Michael Graves bird-shaped kettle whistle are among many well-known products of the Alessi range. Carlo Alessi remained company president until his death in 2009.