Triennale Mid Century Modern Orbiter Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman
About the Item
- Creator:Robert Sonneman (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 59 in (149.86 cm)Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. In good condition with patina on the chrome. Blemishes on the base. See photos.
- Seller Location:San Jose, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1582227649412
Robert Sonneman
Though Robert Sonneman was quite literally born into the lighting business, it took working for another celebrated lighting maker for him to land upon the kind of boundary-pushing modernism for which the New York–based designer is known today.
At the age of 19, fresh off a stint in the U.S. Navy, Sonneman responded to an ad for a position working in the studio of George Kovacs on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where he became the sole employee. “Although my parents were in the lighting business, they came from a traditional perspective, and Kovacs introduced me to modernism,” Sonneman once said. “It was 1961, and I was immediately captured by the movement.”
While working for Kovacs, Sonneman became captivated by the work of the Bauhaus, and he began experimenting with the influential art and design school’s ideas of functional simplicity in lighting. In 1967, he opened his own studio.
Though Sonneman Design Group produced furniture for a brief time, the designer eventually elected to focus on the one category that had always fascinated him; the brand became known for its floor lamps, sconces, pendants and chandeliers that feature unconventional treatments toward shape and balance, often inspired by modern architecture. Sonneman once said of his work: “I saw the lamps that I built as lighting machines that glorified the industrial aesthetic.”
Indeed, in the spirit of Bauhaus functionality — Sonneman has also cited Mies van der Rohe as being an inspiration — the designer’s work takes function-centric forms and motifs and elevates them while prioritizing technology. This spirit of forward thinking continues today, as Sonneman’s brand, renamed SONNEMAN – A Way of Light in 2003, works with LED bulbs to continue to push the boundaries of what functional lighting can achieve aesthetically.
Current-day releases by SONNEMAN – A Way of Light (still overseen by Sonneman himself) feature 95 percent LED lights and include interior and exterior lighting as well as modular suspended lights as an alternative to track lighting. Sonneman’s vintage pieces, however, are still widely collected on the secondary market.
Find vintage Robert Sonneman lighting on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Jose, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Brass Sight Light Desk Lamp by M.G. WheelerBy M.G. WheelerLocated in San Jose, CAVintage sight light desk lamp manufactured by M.G. Wheeler Company, circa 1960's. Features a rotating swivel arm and supporting base in brass. Co...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum, Brass
- Mid Century California Modern Black Table Lamp with Glass Globe by ModelineBy Modeline Lamp Co.Located in San Jose, CAMid-Century Modern accent table lamp manufactured by Modeline of California, circa 1970's. This unique piece will light up any space featuring a suspended frosted glass globe accente...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Pair of Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Round Gray Ceramic Table LampsLocated in San Jose, CAVintage pair of sculptural ceramic table lamps, circa 1960s. Features a unique round base in a light gray glossy finish. Perfect to add to any contemporary decor or modern space. Inc...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Mid Century Double Stacked Stoneware Pottery Lamp by MartzBy Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall StudiosLocated in San Jose, CAVintage hand thrown ceramic pottery lamp by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. This oversized table lamp features a sculptural double stacked form in a white glaze and brush...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic, Walnut
- Mid Century Modern Frosted White Glass Hanging Pendant Light by LightolierBy LightolierLocated in San Jose, CAMid-Century Modern ceiling pendant lamp manufactured by Lightolier circa 1960s. This unique shade is made of frosted glass that emits a glo...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Sculptural Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Wood Table LampsLocated in San Jose, CAVintage pair of Scandinavian Modern lamps circa 1960s. This unique set features a sculptural solid turned base in old growth teak acc...Category
Vintage 1960s European Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Triennale Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert SonnemanBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Philadelphia, PAThree arm "Triennale" chrome floor lamp by Robert Sonneman. The three way switch works great. Each arm is adjustable with a tightening knob. This not often seen light shape is a clas...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Robert Sonneman Chrome Triennale Floor LampBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Winnipeg, MBBeautiful adjustable chrome floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman. This piece features three counterbalance arms with pivoting cylindrical shades that allow for a range of configura...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Chrome Right Angle Floor Lamp by Robert SonnemanBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Kansas City, MOChromed Steel floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman, 1960s. The 90 degree angle provides for excellent lighting for reading or accent lighting. F...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- VINTAGE Robert Sonneman Triennale Atomic Orbiter Floor LampBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Chicago, ILSpace age Robert Sonneman Triennale Atomic Orbiter floor lamp. A very nice one is great condition. Style of Arredoluce.Category
20th Century American Space Age Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Robert Sonneman Post Modern Floor LampBy Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in Miami, FLPost-Modern torchiere uplighter floor lamp rendered in powder coated and painted steel with geometric forms reminiscent of Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano designs, by Robert Sonneman.Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage Robert Sonneman 3-Arm Triennale Orbiter Eyeball Adjustable Floor LampBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Chicago, ILVintage 3-arm floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman. circa 1970s. This lamp features three adjustable chrome orb light heads that pivot on balancing lever arms. A true classic and well-made lamp. Tested and in great working condition. Includes bulbs. Condition: Good to very good vintage condition. Some general light...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
