OBJECT OF DESIRE

A little bird whistles every time the Alessi 9093 kettle boils. This stovetop kettle was created in 1985 by American designer Michael Graves – who, at this point, had never worked in industrial design – as a way to inject some fun into the everyday household object.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
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B I O

A little bird whistles every time the Alessi 9093 kettle boils. This stovetop kettle was created in 1985 by American designer Michael Graves – who, at this point, had never worked in industrial design – as a way to inject some fun into the everyday household object. The public loved this whimsical item, driving the kettle to become Alessi’s best-selling item, for the past 30 years.

T R I V I A

A French poet sent Michael a postcard saying: “I’m always very grumpy when I get up in the morning. But when I get up now, I put the tea kettle on, and when it starts to sing, it makes me smile – damn you!” After the whistling bird, Alessi released a dragon-shaped whistle called Tea Rex.

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Michael chose blue for the handle as it signals a cool (and safe) area to touch; the red bird indicates hot temperatures.

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Trying to find a way to experience nature at breakfast, Michael designed a bird-shaped plastic whistle to fit the tip of the spout.

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The kettle’s shiny, conical stainless steel body, as well as its brightly coloured handle, contribute to the lighthearted appeal of the appliance.

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Its magnetic steel bottom is suitable for induction hobs.

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