The exhibition, which began at the public opening of Fondazione studio museo Vico Magistretti, sets out to portray the richness of Vico's works, and hence the archive itself, through the architect’s own words, illustrated by the drawings on display.

Illustrated words is set out along a section of eleven columns, each of which contains a quote from the architect’s own writings and interviews. Alongside, the sketches on display illustrate and give meaning to his words. The projects include some of Vico Magistretti’s best-known pieces, such as the Eclisse and Atollo lamps, Nathalie bed, Maralunga armchair and Vidun table.

Vico’s words bring out the anti-rhetorical side of his professionalism, that cannot be confined to any stylistic or ideological categories. As regards industrial design in particular, what distinguishes his work is not just the attempt to dialogue with local traditions (as far as that is permissible in design destined for mass production), it is also the subtle balance between rationalist rigour and a certain poetic licence with design from the past which goes beyond national boundaries, or decoration which softens its forms, or even irony as startling as a ready-made.

The exhibition is complemented with a catalogue entitled Illustrated words, printed by the foundation.