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.
Set of eight crystals ice glass Kalmar Franken 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Eight large crystals from the prestigious Austrian house JT Kalmar Franken who, in 1960, created the well-known ice crystals, a benchmark in design lighting thanks to the thick glass...
Glass
"Dorothy Thorpe Vintage Glass Tray, Antiqued Gold on Crystal, 1960s"
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Dorothy Thorpe tray Antiqued Gold on Crystal, in good condition, circa 1960. ***a Pair available to Purchase***
Silver
Set of 9 Murano Art Glass Candy Pieces, Glow in UV, 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful vintage set of 9 multicolored Murano art glass candy pieces feature bright fused glass bodies in different shapes and textured twisted "candy wrapper" parts, emulating the r...
Glass, Uranium Glass
Midcentury Vintage Transparent Crystal Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in good condition. The sugar bowl looks very good on every style table. Small defects - as shown on pictures. Only one unique piece.
Crystal
$390 / set
H 4.72 in Dm 3.14 in
1960s Luxury Handcrafted Set of Six Colored Glasses by Napoleon in Crystal. Made
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Luxury handcrafted set of six colored glasses by Napoleon in crystal. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition. Dimension diameter 3,14 x 4,72 inches diameter cm 8 x...
Crystal
Mid Century Vintage Orange Crystal Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage crystal glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. .
Glass
Midcentury Vintage Yellow Crystal Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The bowl looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece.
Crystal
Mid Century Vintage Ice Transparent Vase, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece. Murano glass.
Glass
Set of 6 Multi Color Ice Crystal Glasses by Sèvres, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Cristal de Sèvres Crystal Glass Set of 6 This elegant set of six crystal glasses from Cristal de Sèvres, is a stunning example of French craftsmanship and luxury. Each glass is hand...
Crystal
Set of six vintage stemmed glasses, 1960s.
Located in Praha, CZ
A set of six wine glasses on a green twisted stem, the top of the glass features a vine plant. Made in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s Beautiful decoration Good condition
Glass
Set of Four Mid-Century Vintage Crystal Vases, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage glass in good original condition. One defect on the bottom of the vase. Some sketches - all on pictures. Only one unique piece. Crystal glass. Very heavy item. Size of the b...
Crystal
$196Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 1.58 in Dm 4.73 in
Set Of 6 Smaller Bowls In Amber Glass, Borske Sklo 1960s
By Borske Sklo National Corporation
Located in Zohor, SK
Set of 6 bowls produced in the Mid-century modern design era by the Czechoslovakian factory Borske Sklo Glass Union in 1960s. The model is in an official catalogue. Produced in press...
Art Glass
Set of Midcentury Glasses and Bowl for Ice, 1960
Located in Praha, CZ
in good oriiginal condition made in italy bowl for ice is 15cm x 10 cm.
Glass, Art Glass
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The light ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are 38 pieces available from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The lights are in excellent condition, holding two bulbs each. And in full working order. They look simply stunning mounted on the wall and give a wonderful warm glow as well as casting a beautifully pleasant light across a wall or ceiling. I can the lamps equipped with a screw terminal (white) as on picture. You can connect the cables as shown on picture. Prepare lamps is free as a service to you. Fitting lamp E14 Earth = green. Neuter = white Phase = black. Austria, 1970s. Good original condition. Marked by maker. model 4679/2/1/01/4 looks simply stunning. A new direction After the turn of the century, Julius Theodor Kalmar, son of the original founder, studied under the renowned Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts and the Birmingham School of Art and Design. Inspired by Josef Hoffmann and the arts and crafts movement of the era, Julius pushed the company in a new direction, away from the eclectic style of the late 19th century, and in 1925, Kalmar designs began selling in Haus und Garten, an avant-garde shop...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Sold
H 15.74 in W 6.29 in D 5.11 in
Impressive J.T Kalmar Frosted Glass Sconces Made from Thick and Heavy Cast Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Verviers, BE
J.T. Kalmar frosted textured glass sconces There are 38 pieces available from government building Belgie. Impressive Kalmar frosted 1950s glass sconces made from thick and heavy cast glass. The lights are in excellent condition, holding two bulbs each. And in full working order. They look simply stunning mounted on the wall and give a wonderful warm glow as well as casting a beautifully pleasant light across a wall or ceiling. I can the lamps equipped with a screw terminal (white) as on picture. You can connect the cables as shown on picture. Prepare lamps is free as a service to you. Fitting lamp E14 Earth = green. Neuter = white Phase = black. Austria, 1970s. Good original condition. Marked by maker. model 4679/2/1/01/4 looks simply stunning. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you and kind regards, Geert A new direction After the turn of the century, Julius Theodor Kalmar, son of the original founder, studied under the renowned Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts and the Birmingham School of Art and Design. Inspired by Josef Hoffmann and the arts and crafts movement of the era, Julius pushed the company in a new direction, away from the eclectic style of the late 19th century, and in 1925, Kalmar designs began selling in Haus und Garten, an avant-garde shop...
Art Glass, Murano Glass