Alan Fletcher Space Age Yellow 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 offers a rare opportunity to acquire a factory-fresh example of one of Fletcher’s most recognisable domestic objects.
Manufactured in moulded melamine resin, the piece embodies the material innovation and bold visual language that characterised European design in the 1970s. Melamine, a dense thermoset resin, provides exceptional hardness, heat resistance, and precise mould definition, making it particularly well suited to functional smoking accessories. The material gives the ashtray a substantial tactile quality, crisp edge articulation, and a smooth, high-gloss surface that remains remarkably well preserved in this unused 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, producing a rhythmic mechanical edge that becomes visually expressive when opened. The smooth concave interior contrasts with the articulated outer rim, reflecting Fletcher’s ability to merge functional logic with playful geometric clarity.
This version is executed in a vivid yellow and blue combination, one of the most energetic and visually striking colour pairings in the series. The saturated tones emphasise the purity of the dome silhouette while reinforcing the optimistic, futuristic spirit of 1970s space-age design. When separated, the bold monochrome interiors highlight the precision of the moulded melamine and the object’s graphic presence.
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, untouched examples such as this are becoming increasingly scarce.
Equally suited as a functional ashtray, sculptural tabletop object, or collectible design piece, the Clam remains a clear expression of 1970s optimism — bold, intelligent, and materially refined.