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

This Clam ashtray by Alan Fletcher is an authentic New Old Stock example of his iconic 1970s space-age design. Manufactured in moulded melamine resin and preserved unused from original production, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a factory-fresh example of one of Fletcher’s most recognisable domestic objects.
Produced in Spain by EFMEN, the ashtray reflects the bold material experimentation and playful formal language that defined European design during the 1970s. Unlike common thermoplastic pieces, this model is made in melamine, a dense thermoset resin valued for its hardness, heat resistance, and exceptionally crisp moulded definition. The material gives the object a solid tactile presence, sharp edge articulation, and a smooth high-gloss surface that remains beautifully preserved in this unused condition.
The design consists 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 merge functional clarity with graphic playfulness.
The white and vibrant yellow colour combination emphasises the purity of the dome silhouette while introducing the strong chromatic contrast characteristic of 1970s space-age design. When separated, the monochrome interiors highlight the precision of the moulded melamine and the object’s architectural simplicity.
As New Old Stock, the surfaces retain their original gloss, sharpness, and structural integrity, free from use-related wear. This untouched condition significantly enhances its collectibility, particularly as many surviving examples show handling marks or material ageing.
Equally suited as a functional ashtray, sculptural tabletop object, or collectible design piece, the Clam stands as a confident expression of 1970s optimism — material-driven, playful, and unmistakably modern.