Niamh Barry’s sculptural lighting is an exercise in artistry. The self-taught metalworker approaches each beguiling chandelier, wall light, table lamp and floor lamp with a desire to go beyond the piece’s practicality and create something exceptional. Working in bronze, she welds the metal into intricate shapes that become optical illusions.
Barry was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1968 and graduated from the National College of Art and Design in 1991. After graduation, she opened a studio where she could experiment with light and form based on inspiration from the natural world. In designing her pieces, Barry draws inspiration from everything from plants to astrological patterns.
Barry is particularly well-known for being one of the pioneers of LED lighting. The technology allows her to produce fixtures in novel shapes. The use of bronze and glass, meanwhile, enables her to create a softer and more diffuse glow than one might get with a typical LED lamp, giving her work an inviting feel.
When designing a piece, Barry begins with a simple hand sketch that conveys feeling rather than function. She then makes a model out of wires as well as a model on the computer, which she can digitally manipulate. Finally, metal is bent, rolled and hammered into the desired shape. After the metal is polished to a gleaming shine, the LEDs are integrated into the fixture.
The Business Post called Barry “one of Ireland’s most renowned contemporary artists.” She is among the most prolific names working in LED light sculpture and has been profiled in magazines like Galerie Magazine, Architectural Digest and MODERN Magazine. Since 2001, she has participated in several exhibitions a year, including Themes & Variations, FOG Art + Design and Salon Art + Design.
On 1stDibs, find Niamh Barry lighting and decorative objects.
Price Upon Request
Niamh Barry, Shouldering, Contemporary Sculptural Table, Ireland, 2022
By Niamh Barry
Located in New York, NY
Niamh Barry often says that her sculptures are drawings in bronze and light. Inspired by natural beauty, her work transcends utility. She strives, above all else, to achieve strikin...
Bronze
Price Upon Request
Niamh Barry, Ghost, Contemporary Sculptural Bench, Ireland, 2022
By Niamh Barry
Located in New York, NY
This gently swelling bench, completely finished in polished bronze (and the product of hundreds of hours of work), is totally reflective and appears to float on its three rectilinear...
Bronze
Price Upon Request
Niamh Barry, Top Top, Contemporary Sculptural Console, Ireland, 2022
By Niamh Barry
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition of 20. Niamh Barry often says that her sculptures are drawings in bronze and light. Inspired by natural beauty, her work transcends utility. She strives, above all e...
Bronze
Sculptural Travertine Console
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural travertine console with rectangular glass top.
Travertine
Barbara Barry for Baker Console Table
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long deco style console table by Baker in rich mahogany with bright gold accenting trim. Almost seven feet long, this works great behind a long sofa. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Mahogany
Long Wicker Drapery Ghost Console
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A long wicker drapery ghost console crafted with woven reed over a sturdy metal frame with the highest quality.
Metal
Irish Neoclassic Marble Mounted Console Table
Located in Essex, MA
With replaced faux marble top over a conforming frieze with central marble panel with urn inlay flanked by fluting and panels with inlays, raised on square t...
Other
Vintage Woven Rattan Ghost Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage woven rattan console table is a sculptural and visually captivating piece, celebrated for its fluid “ghost” silhouette and rich textural presence. Crafted with a faux-dr...
Wicker, Rattan
Arcade Sculptural Console Table in Limed Oak & Marble Top
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
The Arcade Console Table is defined by a rhythmic triple-arch structure, combining architectural mass with sculptural negative space. Its arched openings create a strong sense of dep...
Marble
$4,012
H 20.87 in W 78.75 in D 25.99 in
Danish Sculptural Free Form Console Wooden Table Bench in Solid Oak, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Danish modern free form sculptural wooden console table bench in solid stained oak designed and produced by an anonymous designer in Denmark during the 1970s. In good origina...
Oak
BAKER Barbara Barry Modern Regency Large Console Table
Located in Perkasie, PA
BAKER Barbara Barry Modern Regency Large Console Table – Item 68318 This impressive BAKER console table combines the refined elegance of Regency-inspired design with the clean sophi...
Mahogany
Irish Georgian Mahogany Console Table
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top with shaped edge and rounded corners over a nicely carved leaf and shell carved frieze . Cabriole legs headed by shells and ending on classic paw feet.
Mahogany
$6,200 / item
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 15.75 in
Contemporary Sculptural Oakwood Console with Ceramic Top
Located in New York, NY
This console is a perfect embodiment of contemporary elegance, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with refined design. It features a robust wood structure, which provides a warm, ...
Ceramic, Wood
$13,484 / set
H 33.47 in W 91.74 in D 23.63 in
Anthea Console Contemporary Sculptural Console in White Mortar by MainGUILTY
By Carlos Mello
Located in Freamunde, PT
Contemporary Sculptural Console Inspired by Classical Greek Art — Indoor / Outdoor The Anthea Console is a contemporary sculptural console designed for both indoor and outdoor envir...
Resin, Epoxy Resin
Pair of Wicker Drapery Ghost Consoles
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of chic wicker drapery ghost consoles crafted with woven reed over a sturdy metal frame.
Metal