Rare Original Pair of 1940s Wilhelm Lauritzen wall lights in patinated brass.
About the Item
- Creator:Vilhelm Lauritzen (Designer),Louis Poulsen (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 5.91 in (15 cm)Width: 3.94 in (10 cm)Depth: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Power Source:Hardwired
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:København K, DK
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7328235057682
Vilhelm Lauritzen
One of the most significant architects in Denmark’s history and a pioneer of Danish functionalism in Scandinavian, mid-century modern furniture, Vilhelm Lauritzen maintained a lifelong belief that design is an art for the people.
Born in the town of Slagelse in 1894, Lauritzen had an early interest in architecture and design. He graduated from the Sorø Akademi in 1912 and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. That year, Lauritzen founded the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects studio.
Travel to Spain, Greece and throughout Central Europe influenced his architectural work. His first major project was in 1928, when he designed the Daell’s Department Store in Copenhagen. Subsequent notable design projects included the Nørrebro Theater in 1931, the Radiohuset building in 1936 and Copenhagen Airport’s first terminal in 1939, inspired by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier.
Although architecture was among Lauritzen’s chief passions — he was also an avid lepidopterist — he was keenly interested in the furnishings of his projects, designing everything from chairs and settees to door handles and ashtrays. His influential creations include the iconic VL 38 “Radiohus” table and the VL 45 “Radiohus” pendant light — a powerful downward light that provides a gentle illumination through handblown, white opal glass. Both were designed for Danish furniture manufacturer Louis Poulsen in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lamps and wall sconces, which have obliquely angled lamp heads, were likewise designed in partnership with Poulsen for the Radiohuset building in the 1930s.
Lauritzen remained active in his studio until 1969, overseeing numerous architecture projects in the 1950s, such as the Shellhuset building, Folkets Hus — known today as the VEGA concert hall — and the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Lauritzen died in 1984. His legacy lives on with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects still operating in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, and his elegant lamps remain in production by Louis Poulsen.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen lighting, seating, tables and more.
Louis Poulsen
Louis Poulsen is world-renowned as an innovator in modern Danish lighting, but this wasn’t the goal from the start. Founded in 1874 by Ludvig R. Poulsen as a wine importer, the business went through several incarnations before its first pendant lights came to fruition. Through its designs, the company helped establish the foundations of good lighting — function, comfort and ambience — that are now standard in modern furniture design.
In 1924, Danish architect Poul Henningsen partnered with Louis Poulsen & Co., then an electrical supply company, to create what’s now known as the Paris lamp. This design, which incorporated three layers of curved metal disks, created ambience with its indirect light instead of glare. Shown at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris — the exhibition that brought Art Deco design to worldwide attention — the Paris lamp was awarded a gold medal. This led to Poulsen and Henningsen working together on several lighting pieces, including the popular PH pendant light with its concentric shades for the Forum Building in Copenhagen. These high-profile projects helped make Louis Poulsen a go-to purveyor of innovative lighting design.
One of the company’s most well-known lamps is Henningsen’s PH Artichoke lamp (1958), with its 72 copper leaves artfully placed to conceal the light bulb, prevent glare and promote a warm, alluring glow in any room. Another is the steel and die-cast zinc AJ lamp (1960), which Arne Jacobsen designed with an adjustable angled shade for his commission for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The company has also worked with notables such as Verner Panton and Alfred Homann as well as, more recently, Louise Campbell and Oki Sato.
In 2010, the company was awarded the American Institute of Architects’ Honors in Collaborative Achievement Award; it was the first lighting manufacturer to receive this honor. In 2018, the company was acquired by an investment subsidiary of Investindustrial VI L.P. Still headquartered in Denmark, the brand continues to produce its high-end lighting for both indoor and outdoor use, manufacturing both classic icons as well as new designs. “We design to shape light,” states Louis Poulsen. In doing so, they have also shaped culture.
Find a range of new and vintage Louis Poulsen floor lamps, table lamps and other lighting and furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: København K, Denmark
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Unique Pair of wall lights made of cow horn, brass and teak Wood. Denmark 1930By Hans J. Wegner, Knud FaerchLocated in København K, 84The meticulous craftsmanship applied to these wall lights underscores a commitment to preserving the authenticity of midcentury design. The careful fusion of cow horn, lacquered teak...Category
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Original 1940s danish modern easy chair in patinated leather with brass nails.By Fritz HansenLocated in København K, 84An exquisite 1940s Danish Modern Easy Chair upholstered in luxurious patinated red leather that has aged beautifully over the years. Ornate brass nails adorn the edges, adding a touc...Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Beech
- 1940s Scandinavian Cabinet Maker, Coffee Table in elegant patinated OakBy Axel Einar Hjorth, Arnold Madsen, Philip ArctanderLocated in København K, 84In the style of Arnold Madsen and Axel Einar Hjorth a 1940s Scandinavian craftsmanship, where elegance meets functionality in a coffee table or console table crafted from patinated o...Category
Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsOak
- 1940s French Brutalist console table in solid patinated oak.By Pierre ChapoLocated in København K, 84In the tumultuous landscape of 1940s France, amidst the echoes of war and the stirrings of post-war reconstruction, emerged a distinct piece of furniture that embodies the ethos of its time: the Brutalist side table...Category
Vintage 1940s French Brutalist Console Tables
MaterialsOak
- 1940 Danish cabinetmaker, archival chest in solid patinated oak and brass hingesBy Arne Vodder, Hans J. Wegner, Børge MogensenLocated in København K, 84Mid-20th century Danish craftsmanship, one cannot overlook the exquisite elegance and sacral allure embodied within the masterful work of a 1940s Danish cabinetmaker. This archival c...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Denmark 1960s danish modern wall lamp/pendant in solid oak with new linen shade.By Finn Juhl, Hans J. Wegner, Alvar AaltoLocated in København K, 84An elegant danish modern wall lamp / pendant. Adjustable to both sides and elevatable. Crafted from solid patinated oak, this wall lamp embodies the movement's penchant for organic m...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsLinen, Oak
- Vilhelm Lauritzen Set 4 Rare Original “Kastrup” Wall Lamps 1937, Louis PoulsenBy Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis PoulsenLocated in Forest, BESet of 4 untouched and patinated trough time lamps by master Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen. The lamps were designed for the Kastrup airport in Copenhag...Category
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsAluminum
- 1950´s Set of Two Vilhelm Lauritzen Wall Lights by Louis PoulsenBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in Knebel, DKThe rare set of two Danish vintage "Radiohuset" (Danish Radio) wall lights were originally designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and manufactured by Louis Poulsen. Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894...Category
Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of 'Kastrup' Wall Lamps Attributed to Vilhelm Lauritzen for Louis PoulsenBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in Glendale, CAPair of 'Kastrup' Wall Lamps Attributed to Vilhelm Lauritzen for Louis Poulsen. Originally designed in the 1937 as part of Lauritzen's iconic work for the Copenhagen Airport, this rare and elegant pair is executed in opaline glass and white and black painted metal. A lyrical and elegant Danish modern design with a sculptural form characteristic of Lauritzen's most refined work. Vilhelm Lauritzen was one of the most innovative Danish modern lighting...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Rare Lamps by Vilhelm LauritzenBy Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in Copenhagen, DKA pair of 'Town Hall' ceiling/wall lamps in brass and profiled plastic shades. Designed in 1953. Vilhelm Lauritzen / Louis Poulsen.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Vilhelm Lauritzen Pair of Wall Lamps Model 10630 by Louis Poulsen in DenmarkBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in Berlin, DEVilhelm Lauritzen pair of wall lamps Model 10630 by Louis Poulsen in Denmark.Category
Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsChrome
- Vilhelm Lauritzen VL-1 Brass and Glass Wall Lamp for Louis PoulsenBy Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm LauritzenLocated in Glendale, CAVilhelm Lauritzen VL-1 brass and glass wall lamp for Louis Poulsen. Executed in a single hand blown glossy white opal glass and unfinished satin polished brass armature and backplate. The sconce emits light directed primarily downwards. The opal glass provides a comfortable and uniform illumination of the area around the fixture. A highly refined and iconic design by one of the Danish modern giants of the midcentury era. Built in on/off switch. Designed to be mounted and hardwired directly to a standard 4" US junction-box. Price is per item. These wall lamps were originally designed in the 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen in partnership with Louis Poulsen for the construction of the Radiohuset building on Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, which is now home to the Royal Danish Academy of Music. The original VL Ring Crown...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and...
MaterialsBrass