Vintage Lightolier Desk Lamp
About the Item
- Creator:Lightolier (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Power Source:Hardwired
- Voltage:110-150v
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Pair of Art Deco Woka Desk LampsBy Woka LampsLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of handmade Classic Art Deco nickel plated Woka desk lamps with diffuser, On / Off Switch on the lamp base Max 1 x 60W.Category
Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Vintage Bronze Table Lamp Designed by Pepe MendozaBy Pepe MendozaLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of vintage bronze table lamps designed by Pepe Mendoza, designed with Faux Bamboo Stalk Motif in bronze, inlaid with enameled Turquoise Cera...Category
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMalachite, Bronze
- Koch & Lowy Polished Chrome Articulating Desk LightBy Koch & LowyLocated in Los Angeles, CAModernist 1970s Koch & Lowy desk lamp in nickel/chrome finish. Articulates/pivots in several directions. Lamp has some cosmetic wear to finish consistent with age. Working cond...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Pair of Architectural Element LampsLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of architectural element lamps, black finish.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Table Lamps
MaterialsCement
- Black and White Faux Marbleized Table LampsLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of hand painted faux marble table lamps.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsHardwood
- Vintage MCM Kock & Lowy Desk LampBy KocksLocated in Los Angeles, CARare vintage MCM Kock & Lowy articulating angel arm desk lamp, solid steel enamel rod arm, small switch on the base Size: Base 10" x 9.5" x 3" H / top 5" x 5".Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Lightolier Gooseneck Desk Reading LampBy LightolierLocated in New York, NYAdjustable desk, reading lamp. Classic Post Modern design in the Italian School.Category
Vintage 1970s American 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
- 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
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Ceramic Table Lamp, ca. 1950/ 1960'sBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated 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 Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated 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
- Vintage Gooseneck Desk Lamp attributed to LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated 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