Kalmar Floor Lamp, circa 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Kalmar Lighting (Manufacturer),J.T. Kalmar (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 66.93 in (170 cm)Diameter: 16.93 in (43 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Only the shade is new.
- Seller Location:Wien, AT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1071820170812
J.T. Kalmar
In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor (J.T.) Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, J.T. was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna State Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, J.T. Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage J.T. Kalmar lighting that includes chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Kalmar Lighting
In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, Julius was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wien, Austria
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- J. T. Kalmar floor lamp Vienna circa 1950s with original shadesBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATJ. T. Kalmar floor lamp Vienna circa 1950s with original shades Original shades Metal painted.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Adjustable Kalmar Floor Lamp with Swiveling Shade, Vienna, circa 1950sBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATAdjustable Kalmar floor lamp, Vienna, around 1950s. Brass polished and stove enameled Original wicker shade in good condition Swiveling shade Adjustable height from 141cm - 176cm.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950sBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATKalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T.Kalmar Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade Around 1950sBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATJ.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s Brass polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. KalmarBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Wien, ATFloor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Wien, ATJ.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Brass partly blackened The shade is reolaced ( new )Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T. Kalmar 2x Dornstab Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Walnut, Austria, 1950sBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Vienna, ATUp to two beautiful "Dornstab" floor lamps, we offer an identical one in our other listing. Designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna Austria. The conical lampshade is adjustable t...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T. Kalmar 2x Dornstab Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Walnut, Austria, 1950sBy Kalmar Lighting, J.T. KalmarLocated in Vienna, ATUp to two beautiful "Dornstab" floor lamps, we offer an identical one in our other listing. Designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna Austria. The conical lampshade is adjustable t...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T. Kalmar Austrian Floor Lamp, Manufactured by Kalmar, 1950s.By J.T. KalmarLocated in Wolfurt, ATFloor Lamp - Design by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s. This lamp has an adjustable, lacquered metal shade and uplight. Feel free to contact us for more detailed...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsAluminum, Brass, Steel
- J. T. Kalmar 1950s 'Pelikan' Floor LightBy J.T. KalmarLocated in London, GBAn iconic 'Pelikan' floor lamp by the Austrian designer Julius Theodor Kalmar and produced in Vienna, Austria. The architectural form is crafted of bra...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Tripod Floor Lamp, 1950s, AustriaBy J.T. KalmarLocated in Biebergemund, HessenSimple and elegant midcentury floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar made in 50s Vienna. The lamp is made of brass tube and has a polished brass tripod base. The big shade provides a smooth large...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- J.T. Kalmar, "Pelikan" Floor Lamp, Metal, Brass, Austria, 1950sBy J.T. KalmarLocated in High Point, NCA metal and brass floor lamp, "Pelikan" model, designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1950s. Variable dimensions, measured as illustrated in the first image.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Brass