H. Gallery Lighting

Design wise the 1970s may conjure images of wood surfaces, plush sofas, warm bright shades, and patterned wallpapers. In Finland, it was also an era of streamlined lighting design, with a sculptural appearance, geometric shapes, and shiny details defining the features of 70s lighting...

These Lyfa-edition “Saga” wall sconces by Danish architect and designer, Kay Kørbing are true collectors’ pieces. By the 1950s, Lyfa had built an international reputation for original, high-quality, modernist lamps. In the postwar era, the company collaborated with esteemed architects and designers to produce minimalist, sculptural pieces including these lamps. Made of brass, metal, and crystal, the design of this model is entirely in the vein of modernism, while also sticking to the main ideals of Danish design, such as functionality. This can be observed in the lamps’ build that allows them to be faced either up- or downwards. The proportions are carefully thought out, with three main sections comprising the design. The three elements - the brass base, black metal shade holder, and the crystal glass shade - are clearly separated both by their shape, material, and colour. Most eye-catching are the Orrefors crystal glass shades in a peculiar shape that appear to be roll cut. Orrefors has been established in Swedish design tradition since 1898. Glass from the forests of Småland was incomparable: “Il n’y as que ça!” (There is nothing like it!) exclaimed the 1925 Paris World Fair. As these sconces showcase, the glass and shape are always in focus, combined with elegance, simplicity, and confidence. The predominantly round shapes are balanced by the square backplate. The artistic design is very honest in a purely Scandinavian manner, exposing the joinery and the materials’ natural qualities as well. This pair of “Saga” wall sconces is a stunning example of how the 1960s are still able to deliver modern "art" to any interior. The producer, Lyfa, produced some cabin lamps...

These marvellous chandeliers are a rarity from Swedish designer, Holger Johansson, who created them for his own company, Westal. With a brass frame holding 12 translucent bubble glas...

The best qualities of European mid-century designers’ light fixtures are most often their atmospheric light, disciplined, functionalist design completed by unique solutions and desig...

Swedish Modern, with its simplified lines and lack of excessive ornamentation, was a counter reaction to the earlier, more decorative design movements such as Art Deco. In comparison, as this pair of wall lamps demonstrates, the mid-century era brought streamlined modernism to Sweden as well. Börje Claes designed this polished brass wall lamp model with both table and floor lamp versions. In these wall lamp versions he combined a classical shape with carefully thought out proportions and Swedish craftsmanship. Similarly to the other versions, the necks’ characteristic curve holding the brass shades define this model. To accompany the defined curves, the backplates have a circular shape that mirrors the shape of the shade. The inside of the shade has a patinated metal look to enhance the light the lamp emits with a beautiful effect. While there is a clear attention on the design elements, functionality was of equal importance in the classic “Svensk design” manner, in which form must follow function in order for something to be considered ‘god design’ (sic.). As such, the lamps’ trumpet shades can be adjusted freely on the vertical axis through a so-called knee joint by the German company OMI. In line with the Functionalist trend of the time, the designer abandoned ornamentation in favour of form. Nonetheless, the warmth and beauty inherent in Swedish design is maintained, as well as high-quality craftsmanship provided by Swedish manufacturer, Norlett Elit...

The profoundly influential 20th-century Swedish designers pioneered a style of furniture that was lightweight, floral, and elegant in its simplicity, embodied by this lamp. These des...

Aneta Lighting AB was established in 1947, and over the years, the company has collaborated with renowned Swedish designers to create stylish, timeless lighting models. Among them wa...

This individualistic table lamp is a Brutalist piece from the 1960s with a characteristic design that is sure to stand out. The style is similar to that of Franz West with wrought ir...

Around the turn of the 20th century the new style Jugend was introduced around Europe. The name comes from the German word for “youth”, but in the rest of Europe it was called Art Nouveau, the “new art”. It was a sharp aesthetic break from the previous styles and brought a completely new language of form inspired by the organic softness of nature. This early 20th century ceiling lamp...

This marvellous pair of chandeliers is a rarity from Swedish designer, Holger Johansson, who created them for his own company, Westal. With a brass frame holding 12 translucent bubbl...

This pair of Swedish wall lamps by Fritz Kurz is a playful example of the eccentric side of Scandinavian mid-century modern design. These coloured crystal glass lamps’ organicity is ...

Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturi...

Finnish mid-century design is characterized by simple, elegant forms that Paavo Tynell was a master of. Like Finnish culture he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep co...

Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and most collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the first lighting manufacturi...

Gebrüder Cosack (Gecos), was a lighting company from Neheim-Hüsten, Germany founded in 1848. The company no longer exists, making remaining pieces hard to come by. This is especially...

This brass and glass chandelier is full of personality, with unexpected details that make it unique. Most likely a one-off, this model has an essentially mid-century modern look with...

This floor lamp is the “G20” model by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This mid-century model couples brass and fabric, creating a beautiful modern look. This appealing and ver...

Italian Mid-20th century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models crafted by renowned Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Gavina a...

Standing as evidence of the inventiveness and timeless glamour of Art Nouveau is this pair of ornamented wall lights. These lights were designed to show off the dynamic elegance that...

The best qualities of European mid-century designers’ light fixtures are most often their atmospheric light, disciplined, functionalist design completed by unique solutions and desig...

Mid-Century Modern lamps are still coveted pieces thanks to their atmospheric light and disciplined, functionalist design that is not short of unique decorative elements. Not only does this one-of-a-kind model possess most of the best characteristics and Material combinations of the era, its decorative elements are also more distinctive compared to other models. This uniquely decorated ceiling lamp was designed in an era in which Europe saw the birth of many of its most iconic lighting models. It was a period of consistency, excellence, and sophistication design wise. Despite its age, this ceiling light has a hint of Art Deco in its design, with sinuous lines and pronounced decorative elements. The brass frame features two arms with defined curves that hold two glass shades. Each one has a tall cylindrical shape framed by brass rings on both ends. The opal glass with its milky texture is the perfect backdrop for the decorative crosses...

The “T-837” chandelier series belong to the rarer models of Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and they possess many similarities to the Swedish designer’s most famous and popular creations. Th...

Italian Mid-20th Century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models crafted by renowned Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Gavina a...

This one-of-a-kind table lamp is a delightfully distinctive model, with an immediately recognizable look. Design in the mid-century years was fuelled by the development of materials ...

The “Crane” is evidence why Tapio Wirkkala can be described as one of the icons of Finnish design and a symbol of the international success of post-war Finnish design. He was a versatile designer and artist who could shift fluently between different materials and crossed established professional boundaries. Wirkkala’s far-reaching career spanned multiple fields, from furniture design to sculpture and other art objects, and this can be clearly traced in this floor lamp. It functions as an art object just as much as a utilitarian lamp. With its slender shape and a brass and black lacquered body, this lamp is a great modernist piece that stands out in any space. The ingenious structure allows the height to be adjustable, and the design customizable. The main design elements are placed around the main functional parts, namely the shade, the adjusting rod, and the base. The sculptural brass rods cross each other similarly to a crane, and inspired the nickname of this model. The black lacquered conical shade and base, as well as the spherical counterweight stand out against the bright brass and add a modern edge to the design. The shade is lacquered white inside, creating a pleasant effect when the lamp is lit. Idman’s label engraved on the brass handle. Idman produced the models of some of the most renowned Finnish lighting designers of the time, including Tapio Wirkkala, Mauri Almari and Maria Lindeman. Unlike other aesthetic movements, Mid-Century Modern design was streamlined, while highlighting the materials used. The vibe of this “Crane” floor lamp is fresh, retro-tinged, and completely alluring with its dedication to quality and practicality wrapped up in beautiful design that will never go out of style. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a beautiful patina. Dimensions: 26.37 in W x 7.08 in D x 51.39 in H (height is adjustable) 67 cm W x 18 cm D x 128 cm H (height is adjustable) Literature: Tuula Sakalari, Katri Lehtova, Werner Söderström, “Suomalaisia Tuolej”, Osakeyhtio, Helsinki, 2012, pp. 96 & 97 About the designer: Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) can be described as one of the icons of Finnish design and a symbol of the international success of post-war Finnish design. He was a versatile designer and artist who could shift fluently between different materials and crossed established professional boundaries: he worked on everything from refrigerators to banknotes and from furniture to striking jewels. The most important materials for Wirkkala were wood and glass – he never ceased to explore the possibilities they offer. Tapio Wirkkala studied sculpture at the Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design from 1933 until 1936, but he was also a self-studied artist in many areas, including glass design. His success as a glass artist began in 1946 when he designed one of his most famous works, the Kantarelli vase, for Iittala. Wirkkala gained worldwide success in 1951 at the Milan Triennial, where he received three Grand Prix awards: for the exhibition architecture, glass design and wooden sculptures. Many of his glass works for Iittala were also awarded later in the 1950s at the Milan Triennial. In the years 1951-1954, Wirkkala worked as the artistic director of Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design. In 1955, he received a Pro Finlandia medal and in 1972 the Academy of Finland's honorary title of academician. The first mass-production glassware range designed by Wirkkala was the Tapio series launched in 1954. The popular Ultima Thule glassware range, created in 1968, was based on the so-called ice glass technique, and the designer himself was involved in developing it at the Iittala glass factory. Wirkkala also received important commissions from abroad: in the mid-1960s he started to design glass objects for Venini Glassworks in Italy, where he created the Bolle bottles for the Venice Biennale collection in 1966. One of Wirkkala’s most significant commissions abroad was the work at the Rosenthal porcelain factory in Germany: he worked as a freelance designer for Rosenthal for almost 30 years, and the most influential result was the Paper Bag vase (1977), still today one of Rosenthal’s best-selling products. Tapio Wirkkala was also a furniture designer and a sculptor. He started his career as a sculptor in the 1930s, but abandoned the traditional sculpture in the post-war years. The result was a series of unique plywood sculptures which combined form and movement in the vibrant, densely lineated surface of plywood. Wirkkala’s sculptures represented exceptional abstractionism and gave Finnish sculpture...

Aneta Lighting AB was established in 1947, and over the years, the company has collaborated with Swedish designers to create cosy, timeless lamps. Among them was Jan Wickelgren, whos...

Materials were key elements of modern lighting design, and nothing speaks mid-century modern more than the combination of metals, such as brass and glass. At its most basic level, mi...

Italian mid-20th century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models crafted by renowned Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Gavina a...

This Glashütte Limburg wall lamp is a playful example of the rebellion against the sleek minimalism of the mid-century modern style. Early 1970s desi...

Minimal in form from concept to design, this historical lamp emerged from a traditional Italian craftsmanship practice. Using modern, artisanal materials for the design the designers...

This marvellous, brass five-light chandelier was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was the great Swedish master of lighting, de...

Lighting is a huge part of Scandinavian design, ranging from the warm, low light of a candle to the bright overhead glow of a ceiling light. This early 20th century ceiling lamp...

A well-chosen lighting piece can change the overall look of a room and how it feels to be in that room. Historically, chandeliers would hang in the foyer or dining room, however, now...

Italian designer, Oscar Torlasco designed many beautiful lamps, the most well known being the models he designed for Lumi. Particularly active during the 1950s and 1960s, Torlasco’s ...

The best thing about pendant lights - besides their stylish look - is that they are the best option to make interiors appear more spacious. They can be used them to concentrate light...

This marvellous, brass six-light ceiling light was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. The period saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated visual language, emphasizing sleek design and craftsmanship as this Swedish model demonstrates. Uno & Östen Kristiansson’s present model has a brass body with six arms, each one holding a tubular white acrilyc shade on an elongated shade holder. Following the sleek shape of the shade holders, the rod and the arms uniting at the cluster have the same shape resulting in a sleek look with a contemporary edge. The structure is uncluttered so that the shades can stand out. The eye-catching brass body balances the minimalist look with the warmth the light creates. Thanks to the arrangement of the white acrylic shades, light is distributed evenly in all directions when switched on. The combination of materials, shapes, and textures creates this lamp’s modern, sleek design, a clear return to bright simplicity that is in opposition with the flowing, organic lines of the reconstruction of the early 20th century. Defined by long, vertical lines, this model is uniquely stylish and guaranteed to stand out. In 1950, Uno Kristiansson founded his own manufacturing company, Luxus, which was situated in Vittsjö. In the 1950s, the collections were launched nationally in Sweden, and internationally across Europe. Swedish designers and brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson, were particularly active from the 1950s to the 1970s in Sweden. They were prolific designers with a clear design aesthetic that is easily recognizable as Scandinavian modern. Condition: In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass has some small marks and stains. Dimensions: 32.28 in Ø x 33.85 in H 82 cm Ø x 86 cm H About the Designer: Swedish designers and brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson, known for their lighting and mirror designs, were particularly active from the 1950s to the 1970s in Sweden. Although there is a dearth of biographical information available on the pair, their designs are nonetheless appreciated by vintage lovers, and are highly sought-after on the vintage market today. Uno was born in 1925, and Östen two years later in 1927. Little is known about their formative years, but it can be surmised that they spent their early years in southern Sweden, learning the furniture trade from their father who ran his own furniture business, Vittsjö Furniture (established in 1919), named after the Swedish village in which it was located. In 1950, Uno Kristiansson founded his own manufacturing company, Luxus, which was also situated in Vittsjö. He produced a range of products, including home and interior lamps, furniture and mirrors, that were designed by the two brothers. In the 1950s, the collections were launched nationally in Sweden, and internationally across Europe. In 1968, Luxus presented a collection of lamps with brightly coloured textile shades that perfectly encapsulated the mood of the 1960s. They are said to have been designed by renowned Finnish textile...

At its most basic level, Mid-Century Modern designs are known for juxtaposing sleek lines with organic shapes, using new materials and methods to reimagine traditional pieces. Materi...

The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material. Tynell’s designs in the ceiling lamp series that these lamps belong to, merge together simple shapes and sculptural elements. In the 1950s, he designed a number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today, including this pair of rare milk glass ceiling lamps...

It is simply impossible to talk about 20th century Finnish lighting design without mentioning Paavo Tynell. Widely referred to as “The Man who Illuminated Finland”, Tynell not only f...

Hans-Agne Jakobsson was a renowned Swedish designer who is known for his exceptional contribution to the field of lighting design. Prolific during the golden age of Scandinavian desi...

This rare, brass nine-armed chandelier was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Swedish designers were masters of lighting, designing some of the most...

This marvellous, brass ceiling lamp was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was the great Swedish master of lighting, designing s...

This marvellous, brass twelve-light chandelier was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was the great Swedish master of lighting, ...

Designers have been consistently inspired by nature in their work during the midcentury era, which makes curvilinear shapes an ongoing source of inspiration. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was ...

Finnish designers and manufacturers were true pioneers of Nordic lighting design, with a functionalist nature. Works from the midcentury era today are ...

Pierre Guariche is one of the most important designers of the French post-war period. Guariche is best known for the luminaires he designed, many of which feature details like hidden light sources, perforated metal surfaces and slender leg structures. With its clever construction, the “Kite” is a great example of the designer’s endless interest in technological innovation. Officially called model “G30”, this floor lamp was designed in the early 1950s. Guariche’s mid-century lights were created between 1951 and 1959, and are innovatively designed with a visible joy of experimentation. This is especially apparent in this model, featuring elements that may appear purely decorative, but on closer inspection turn out to be absolutely functional. The design is defined by the reflector, which also inspired the model’s nickname. Its white lacquered, perforated sheet metal reflector resembles a boat’s sail, and creates a filtered and soft light. This hidden illuminant and the glare-free light flow by means of the clever reflector provides atmospheric ambient light, while also giving the lamp a sculptural appearance. The light “sail...

This rare floor lamp model possesses one of the most recognizable and unique designs in the prestigious repertoire of Falkenbergs Belysning’s 20th century lighting models’ catalogue....

This stylish table lamp is a delightfully distinctive model, with unique details and material choices. Produced by AB E. Hansson & Co in Malmö, Sweden during the heyday of the mid-ce...

This exceedingly rare model by Swedish designer and sculptor, Harald Notini. He was the artistic leader at Böhlmarks and is represented at the ‘Nationalmuseum’ in Stockholm. Between the 1920s and 1950s, Böhlmarks was a significant player in the Swedish design movement. Notini drove the company forward, producing what were considered pioneering and distinctive luminaires for the time. With an unmistakeable design, this pair of model “8772/5” wall sconces belongs to a historic collection of luminaires from a golden era. At Arvid Böhlmarks...

Paavo Tynell is one of Finland’s best known and collected mid-century designers. Tynell was a pioneer of European lighting design and a founder of the ...

This characteristic Stilnovo table lamp is the definition of an eye-catching design. Decorative lighting is basically the fourth layer of illumination, the jewellery of the room. This lamp contains the comfort of ambiance lighting, the efficiency of task lighting, and the impact of accent lighting. Accent lamps are generally smaller lights that give a dark corner a nice glow. In this design lamp’s case however, the look is just as appealing when turned off, which can be considered a Stilnovo speciality. The copper structure is layered, starting from the bottom with a round black lacquered base. The thin, nickel-plated metal tube rests on a smaller round base and supports the drum-shaped middle section that serves as the diffuser. As such, it is made of thinner, tinted methacrylate that dims the light to create atmospheric, stylish lighting. The shade has small holes on its top that lets the light through for an appealing effect. The design is topped off with the thin metal tube piercing through the shade visually, ending in a small sphere as a focal point. The tricolour palette and combination of materials sets the design tone, creating an aesthetic that is reminiscent not only of the space age, but also of industrial design. This lamp is truly original and seems to find its origins in Europe. On a side table or a sideboard, this Stilnovo table lamp will quickly find its marks in any interior. To accompany the stylish look, the copper has beautiful patina that adds vintage charm to the otherwise modern aesthetic of the design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The metal has a beautiful patina with some marks. Dimensions: 6.88 in Ø x 13.38 in H 17.5 cm Ø x 34 cm H About the manufacturer: Stilnovo was founded in the heart of Milan by Bruno Gatta in 1946. In 1947, Stilnovo participated in the 8th Triennale di Milano and immediately activated a communications campaign, focused on the most important specialized magazines in the sector. In the following years, Bruno Gatta partnered with his brother Paolo, who had recently graduated from university and in September 1949, they opened “Stilnovo Srl”, with a share capital of 400,000 Italian Lire. This set off a managerial pathway which, over the course of just a few years, saw the company become a point of reference in modern lighting. By 1956, Stilnovo achieved a share capital of 4,000,000 Italian Lire, a tenfold increase in just seven years. Their designs were celebrated and the “2061” model became the first Stilnovo lamp selected at the Compasso d’Oro. In 1957, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed two Saliscendi light fixtures for the new Milan Chamber of Commerce. The coming decades brought many designs that are now considered iconic, and by the 1970s, many of their models were featured in various media outlets, galleries, and museums. Stilnovo took part in the 1972 show “Italy, the New Domestic Landscape” at the MoMA in New York, where the Periscopio and Nuvola lamps...

The interior luminaires from Glashütte Limburg have been part of their range for almost six decades. The company has been known for their impeccable craftsmanship in the production p...

This marvellous, brass twelve-light chandelier was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was the great Swedish master of lighting, ...

This beautiful chandelier is from the heyday of post-war Modernism, an era that brought Scandinavian design into blossom. The period saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated vis...

This Italian floor lamp is very compelling, it is stylish, whimsy, but it is also material and craft bound. Like their international counterparts, mid-century Italian designers prize...

This marvellous, brass twelve-light chandelier was created in what we now call “the golden age of Scandinavian design”. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was the great Swedish master of lighting, ...

The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his numerous lighting designs. A master craftsman himself, T...

The Danes call it Hygge, the Swedes Lagom, and the Norwegians, Friluftsliv. When it comes to Scandinavian interiors, these expressions mean clear design that can be enjoyed without b...

This pair of Peter Celsing wall sconces are celebrated for their iconic design, bringing modernity into any setting. Being a visual representation of “Sv...

Chandeliers have often been used as decorative focal points for rooms since the 20th century. In Scandinavian mid-century design, where interior lighting is of particular importance, designers managed to master the art of light without blinding or crushing space perception. This chandelier is in the so-called candle style, originating in the traditional candelabra, with upward facing lightbulbs and multiple arms, usually arranged symmetrically. Here, the six arms are identical and symmetrical, holding up the shades. Like most Scandinavian light fixtures...