In My Key Pieces

The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - fan 2

Great design is everywhere. We often look up at the striking architectural landmarks and groundbreaking interiors. Sometimes, the finest examples are the little things — like a calendar.

Okay… but can an office item end up in a museum then? Well, that’s what happened with the Timor calendar by Danese Milano.

Let’s go back to the busy 1960s in Italy. The setting where Enzo Mari designed his iconic mid-century desk calendar. And discover why all 20th-Century design lovers need one.

100% Italian mid-century design

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - front

A controversial designer

Enzo Mari is the man. He’s a modernist artist and award-winning product designer from Italy. A living mid-century icon. His name is not one of the widely known of the time. Partly because he doesn’t want the designer to overshadow the products.

Everything I’ve read about him from people who know or have met him can be summarised in one word: controversial. But I’m not here to talk about his political or industry views (his top quote is “design is dead”). Mari is fascinated by the beauty of everyday objects. And that’s what I love about his work.

STYLE TIP: Don’t be afraid to display a design object you love in an unexpected setting. Make it the focal piece of a vignette and enjoy it every day.

Jasper Morrison once said, “his works are highly original and uncompromising, with a kind of poetic and heroically human touch.” It’s about simple shapes and forms with perfect proportions. Designs for normal life with a clear purpose and subtle beauty.

He pioneered in concepts that today we take for granted. Some of these include multipurpose furniture. Also, the idea that self-assembly furniture makes the consumer appreciate the piece more. Nowadays, I feel the opposite. It’s a blessing when furniture is delivered and assembled for me.

A manufacturer with an eye for detail

Mari may be unknown to some. However, he has worked with numerous well-known manufacturers such as Alessi, Le Creuset and Muji. His collaboration with Danese Milano led to the creation of a small range of accessories. From plastic pencil holders to glass vases.

Some of these objects were designed for the ordinary office environment. That’s when the hero of the collection comes in: Timor. It’s just a desk calendar. But a clever and tastefully designed one.

A worthy museum piece

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - side 2

The Timor calendar has been part of New York’s MoMA collection since the late 1990s. About the same time when mid-century modern design made a comeback — and still grows strong today. It shows that mid-century is not a trend, but an established design movement.

I have seen the calendar in MoMA on two occasions. However, according to the museum’s website, it’s not currently on display. This is because the pieces of the collection are being rotated. Although if you’re lucky, you may spot the iPod mini!

It’s not just MoMA. Other centres around the World proudly display the Timor calendar — including the Smithsonian. Great product design goes a long way.

The iconic Timor calendar

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - fan 1

It was first released in 1967, and it’s still in production today. Mari has always been obsessed with the form and its close relation to the object’s function. In fact, another of his quotes is “form is everything.” He was known to shout at his design students so let’s not argue with him.

Mari was inspired by railway signs, and how effective they are at providing the information you need at a glance. He took this form and gave it a new function — a single day calendar. Of course, he used the ultimate mid-century typeface: Helvetica (1957).

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - number deatil

The display allows you to change the day, the month and day of the week as required. You can think of it like a basic analogue user interface. There is some kind of satisfying therapeutic benefit in changing the date. Even though I must say, I never do it. It has become my very own museum piece.

The Timor calendar is manufactured in three colours: black, white and green. The number and date blades are made of white PVC. The body is composed of a single piece of ABS. Interestingly, it’s the same material 3D printers and LEGO bricks use.

How on Earth did I get an original?

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - side 3

As a child, I remember seeing it in my uncle’s house. And one day he gave it to me as a present. Maybe the constant staring was too obvious. You can say it was my first encounter with what would become an obsession. 20th Century design.

Recently, I asked him where he found it. It turns out he lived in Milan for the final year of his architecture degree in the 60s. He knew about the calendar but didn’t buy it because it was only available in German at that point. A few years later his work colleagues bought him one — in German. Danke, anyway!

The problems started when I brought it to the UK on a plane. It broke in two pieces (you can see it in the photos). To make things worse, I tried to fix it by pouring a pint of superglue. Now it’s all in one piece again, but don’t ask why there are no photos of the back…

Get the Timor desk calendar

Timor calendar - The 1960s calendar that became a MoMA masterpiece - square

Danese Milano has a line of shops in Italy where you can buy their products. Otherwise, online retailers are a convenient solution. A quick Google search will reveal all the options, including the Design Museum Shop and Made in Design. Vintage ones are more challenging to source, but keep your eyes open.

Are you ready for perpetual calendars?

Here, the beauty of the product superseded its function. Would you change the date daily? Or leave it on a special date like me? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to check my other key pieces for more design inspiration.

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Juan Sandiego

I’m an Interiors & Wellbeing Coach with a passion for design and the science of happiness. I help home renovators create their ideal home and lifestyle so they can live happy and stress-free. Want to try it? Book your free session today.

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22 Comments

  1. Meera
    7 years ago

    A fascinating read! I love your green Timor calendar, such a classic piece! ? Sorry to hear it broke, but what the photo can’t see doesn’t matter right? ?

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for popping by, Meera! Luckily, the place where it broke it’s not too obvious. But I learned my lesson about super glue ?

      Reply
  2. Medina Grillo
    7 years ago

    This is so different and edgy, but thats what I love about it!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Aw, thanks for your comment, Medina! It’s indeed an unusual calendar ☺️

      Reply
  3. Old Fashioned Susie
    7 years ago

    Hiya- I love this post and the look and layout of your blog! Keep up the great work x

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Aw, thanks for popping by, Susie! It means a lot ?

      Reply
  4. Evija
    6 years ago

    Timor is a true classic, absolutely love it as it is so unusual! I would keep it locked up behind glass and never touch it, its place is definitely in the museum!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Evija! If I had done that maybe it wouldn’t be broken ?

      Reply
  5. Rosanna Alicia Design
    6 years ago

    Great post! I love learning more about the history of classic pieces – I’ve always loved the Timor calendars but really didn’t know that much about them. Yours is beautiful! Rx

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you, Rosanna! I’m glad you like the background of the piece. It makes you love it even more, doesn’t it?

      Reply
  6. Donna
    6 years ago

    How interesting! It’s looks so stylish and I love it in that green. What a precious item to have in your home passed down in the family!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thanks for popping by, Donna! It is a precious little object indeed. I ask my uncle about it often, and the story keeps growing!

      Reply
  7. Lins @ Boo & Maddie
    6 years ago

    Wow how amazing to own such an iconic piece! I have pictures of my Grandad’s house, he was my last grandparent and passed away in the 90’s. There was so much mid-century furniture pieces which would be amazing statements now but of course back then they were never appreciated. So glad you’ve been able to salvage this!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Lins! You’re right, I wonder how many pieces ended up in the dump… Regardless of the era, special objects have to be kept and displayed proudly.

      Reply
  8. Anne Marie
    6 years ago

    I would probably leave just one date but not because I would choose it that way but because I would probably forgot to change it ? Anyway, this is very interesting read and written in a beautiful style as well ☺ More please…

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your kind comment, Anne Marie! I’m glad you enjoyed the post ☺️

      Reply
  9. Becky at PinksCharming
    6 years ago

    Oooh what an interesting post. I must admit I’d not heard of him. What a beautiful piece, and a lovely story behind it, despite the glue! I would keep it on a special date too. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Becky! The glue incident will never be forgotten.. haha. I learnt my lesson.

      Reply
  10. JENNY KAKOUDAKIS
    6 years ago

    How inspiring Juan. You’re a story teller who knows mid-century design! And as I said before – excellent photography!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you so much, Jenny! Glad you enjoyed it. It really means a lot. I’m learning so much writing this blog ?

      Reply
  11. Ruthie
    6 years ago

    Such an interesting piece Juan, I love your Timor calendar. This is a love we share, I have three vintage perpetual calendars, one paper one and a child’s one for Ted! Have you seen Mari’s one that looks like a telescopic rule? I love that one too.

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      6 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Ruthie! Oh, yes! The long wall calendar. It’s more of an art piece than an actual calendar, isn’t it? It would make a great minimal statement piece on the wall.

      Reply

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