Lightolier Gooseneck Desk Reading Lamp
About the Item
- Creator:Lightolier (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9787876275
Lightolier
Founded in 1904 in New York and family-operated through most of its history, Lightolier was one of the pioneering American electric lighting companies, best known for its embrace of stylistic and technical innovations.
Collectors focus on vintage Lightolier lighting fixtures produced from the 1950s and into the 1970s, when an in-house design team led by Gerald Thurston — and a stellar cast of international design contributors — created an array of practical yet aesthetically lively table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers.
Amidst the post-World War II building boom, Lightolier — the name combines “light” and “chandelier” — aggressively boosted its residential lighting division. Thurston, who was strongly influenced by the sleek designs of Gino Sarfatti and his Italian lighting firm Arteluce, towards simpler lamp designs that offered flexibility of function. His best-known designs include the Cricket task light — a lamp with an adjustable enameled metal hood that toggles on a slender bent-metal base — and the three-legged Tripod floor lamp. At the same time, Thurston had a wonderful eye for talent and sought work from some of the lesser-known greats of the era, such as Paavo Tynell, the Finnish lighting designer, who designed several brass chandeliers for Lightolier with his trademark elegant flamboyance.
And more, Thurston recognized abilities in designers not known for their work in lighting.
Edward Wormley, head of furniture design for Dunbar, produced several noteworthy chandeliers employing canisters and reflective hoods. Alvin Lustig was famed as a graphic designer. His ca. 1953 Ring ceiling fixture for Lightolier had a minimalist techno look some 30 years ahead of its time. But this was par. Designed by Michael Lax in 1964, the Lytegem high-intensity lamp — included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art — features a ball-shaped shade attached with a chromed armature to a cubic base, a form that would be widely copied in the following decade. Chandeliers designed in the early 1970s by Gaetano Sciolari, with details such as acrylic diffusers and vertical, two-bulb arms, would define the look of lighting in their day.
A look through these pages reveals just how astonishingly wide a range of lighting pieces Lightolier produced. The company never flicked off its stylistic switch.
Find a collection of vintage Lightolier lamps and other lighting fixtures on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Cohoes, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Ceramic Table Lamp, ca. 1950/ 1960'sBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYChic and stylish ceramic and brass table lamp, attributed to Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. The lamp is in excellent, clean, and working condition, and comes complete with its origi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Midcentury Tri Pod Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier C 1950sBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in New York, NYClassic midcentury table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston, made by Lightolier, circa 1950s. The lamp has a three leg, tripod form base of black rods, which support interior diffusers...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Mod Architectural Brass and Plastic Table Lamp Att. to Thurston for LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYArchitectural modernist table lamp attributed to Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. The brass base features a dramatic arc foot which is 7.5 W x 4.75 D inches, which supports a plastic ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Gerald Thurston Lightolier Floor LampBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYClassic Mid Century floor lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston , manufactured by Lightolier, circa 1950/1960's. This example features a sculpted tri pod base of solid brass, solid walnu...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Adjustable Desk Lamp c. 1950'sBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYRare Mid Century desk lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. The lamp features two cone form shades, which are adjustable in position to perfectly direct the light. This ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Adjustable Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYClassic Thurston design Mid Century saucer top reading lamp manufactured by Lightolier. The lamp can be raised to 52 in, or lowered to 42 in H, the disk shade is 12 in. in diameter, ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Vintage Lightolier Desk LampBy LightolierLocated in Los Angeles, CAAdjustable white metal shade and white metal base with brass arm, hi-lo dimmer switch on top of the shade, medium base socket.Category
Vintage 1970s American Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Gooseneck Desk Lamp attributed to LightolierBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in Chicago, ILAdorable Vintage Gooseneck Desk Lamp. Designer and Maker unknown. Quality parts and good weight. The knob is wood. original wiring.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- 1970's Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Black Lacquered Table / Desk LampBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in New York, NYGerald Thurston for lightolier basic concept table lamp with black lacquered steel base and lamp stem, white acrylic drum shade and plastic diffuser unde...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Mid Century Double Gooseneck Desk LampLocated in San Diego, CAVintage mid century double gooseneck desk lamp Incredibly chic desk lamp that projects a minimal and streamline form. The stylish double go...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- White Globe Table Lamp by LightolierBy LightolierLocated in Denton, TXWhite globe table lamp with a "Tulip" base by Lightolier.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Gooseneck Desk Lamp with Cast Iron Base, 1920sLocated in Faversham, GBOriginal gooseneck industrial desk lamp. Cast iron base with flexible gooseneck stem and spun steel shade in its original finish. Twisted three-cord braided fabric cable in gold. The...Category
20th Century British Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsIron