Alan Fletcher Space Age White Blue Melamine Clam Ashtray Spain 1970s NOS

This Clam ashtray by Alan Fletcher is an authentic New Old Stock example of his iconic 1970s space-age design, produced in Spain by EFMEN. Preserved unused from original production, it represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a factory-fresh specimen of one of Fletcher’s most recognisable and sculptural domestic objects.
Manufactured in moulded melamine resin, the ashtray reflects the material innovation that defined much European industrial design of the period. Melamine, a dense thermoset resin, was particularly suited to smoking accessories due to its hardness, heat resistance, and exceptionally crisp moulded definition. The material gives the object a solid tactile presence, precise edge articulation, and a smooth, high-gloss surface that remains beautifully preserved in this untouched condition.
The design is composed of two interlocking domed halves forming a compact sculptural volume when closed. A distinctive toothed perimeter allows the elements to nest precisely together, creating a rhythmic mechanical edge that becomes visually expressive when opened. The smooth concave interior contrasts with the articulated outer rim, demonstrating Fletcher’s ability to combine functional clarity with playful geometric form.
This version is executed in a refined white and deep blue colour combination. The cool white dome emphasises the purity of the form, while the saturated blue base introduces visual depth and contrast. When separated, the bold monochrome interiors highlight the precision of the moulded melamine and the strong architectural logic of the design.
As New Old Stock, the surfaces retain their original gloss, sharpness, and structural integrity, free from use-related wear. With EFMEN no longer in operation, unused examples such as this are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
Equally suited as a functional ashtray, sculptural tabletop object, or collectible design piece, the Clam remains a confident expression of 1970s optimism — material-driven, playful, and unmistakably modern.