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4 Midcentury Rotaflex Ceiling Pendant Lights by John & Sylvia Reid 1950s British

$1,672.85per set
$2,091.06per set20% Off
£1,196per set
£1,495per set20% Off
€1,428.29per set
€1,785.36per set20% Off
CA$2,288.43per set
CA$2,860.53per set20% Off
A$2,560.81per set
A$3,201.02per set20% Off
CHF 1,337.14per set
CHF 1,671.42per set20% Off
MX$31,482.54per set
MX$39,353.18per set20% Off
NOK 16,869.52per set
NOK 21,086.90per set20% Off
SEK 15,874.14per set
SEK 19,842.67per set20% Off
DKK 10,656.10per set
DKK 13,320.13per set20% Off
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About the Item

A rare set of four Post War ceiling lights designed by John and Sylvia Reid for Rotaflex GB, established by Bernard Stern. The eclipse-shaped lampshades in spun cellulose acetate, were formed by spinning the threads on a special former. The transparent material diffuses light without reducing it. The shades simply hang from metal bulb holders. The measurement of the longest light as displayed in the images is: 138cm High x 28cm Diameter. The shades on their own measure 28cm diameter x 15cm high. Price is for all four. In good period condition, with age-related wear. Professionally rewired with white flex, which can be adjusted to suit your preferred height, as each of the cables has been given 180cm of flex. The manufacturing method was patented in 1946 by Danish civil engineers Bent Højberg- Pedersen and Bent Panker. It involved first extruding the cellulose acetate plastics material through a nozzle, to create a filament with a circular cross-section. It became known as the rotaflex process and was licensed out to other manufacturers by Pedersen and Panker before they set up their own company several years later, also called Rotaflex. There was an Iconic series of British press adverts from 1958/59 showcasing John and Sylvia Reid’s designs produced via the cellulose ‘rotaflex’ process, beautifully art-directed by Layton Award, two of which can be seen in the last two images. (Images credited to Post War British) John & Sylvia Reid established their practice in 1948, working from a rented flat in London. The couple soon became involved in work on the 1951 Festival of Britain working alongside many notable figures of the time. One of the defining features of their design partnership was that it covered their entire output. In contrast to other famous designers of the period such as Robin and Lucienne Day or Charles and Ray Eames, they did not have independent projects but collaborated on everything they did. The couple believed good design should be accessible to all, and during the 50s and 60s, their futuristic lighting and stylish furniture brought a gleam of modernity to ordinary people’s houses across the UK.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 54.34 in (138 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 11.03 in (28 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Power Source:
    Hardwired
  • Lampshade:
    Included
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1958
  • Condition:
    Rewired: Professionally rewired. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Sherborne, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4257241758352

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