Kalmar Chrome Sputnik Ceiling Fixture
About the Item
- Creator:Kalmar Lighting (Manufacturer),J.T. Kalmar (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Diameter: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Power Source:Hardwired
- Voltage:110-150v
- Lampshade:Not Included
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1968
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU843038767032
J.T. Kalmar
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.
Kalmar Lighting
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 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, Julius 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 Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor 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 Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Soren Henningsen Ceiling FixtureBy Poul HenningsenLocated in Philadelphia, PASoren Henningsen ceiling fixture, sold through Georg Jensen. 4 sided flat chrome finished shapes make up the exterior body of the light. Inside the ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Lightolier Glass Rod Ceiling FixtureBy LightolierLocated in Philadelphia, PALightolier Glass Rod Chadelier. Lightolier designed and produced many versions of this classic fixture. Long glass rods with knuckles hold the rods in place. Candelabra bulbs ligh...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsChrome
- Lightolier White Globe Light FixtureBy LightolierLocated in Philadelphia, PALightolier Hanging Chrome pendant Lamp. White Glass Globe sits in a Chrome ring. In very nice shape, glass is clean. Retains lightolier label on canopy.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsChrome
- Gregory Van Pelt Cardboard Hanging Light FixtureBy Frank Gehry, Gregory Van PeltLocated in Philadelphia, PAGregory Van Pelt Stacked Cardboard hanging Fixture. Wood cone top and hanging wood ball switch. In nice original condition, iconic 1970's sensibilities and vibe. Looks amazing whe...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsWood, Paper
- Small Tear Drop Ceiling Fixture 2 AVAILABLE!By Murano 5Located in Philadelphia, PATear drop ceiling fixture, 2 available! Flush mounted, perfect for an entrance or hallway. Brass trim around top. Alternating tear-drop crystals in 2 sizes.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
MaterialsBrass
- Italian Fused Glass ChandelierBy VeniniLocated in Philadelphia, PAItalian fused flush mounted light fixture. Chrome round mounting ring. Each crystal hangs down with a small chain. Fixture is made up of 28 fused slag glass type pieces that measure ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
MaterialsSlag Glass
- Austrian Midcentury Chrome and Glass Sputnik Chandelier by J.T. KalmarBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Vienna, ATOne fantastic rare and large space age sputnik chandelier or pendant light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The chandelier is made of chromed metal and big hand blown bubble glass lamp shades with a diameter of 4.7 inch (12 cm) per shade. Perfect highlight for any midcentury modern interior!Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Rijssen, NLAn exceptional 'Tulipan' flushmount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan sha...Category
Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, Austria 1960sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Rijssen, NLAn exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan sh...Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960sBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in Wien, ATKalmar atomic ceiling lamps chandeliers, 1960s designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in 1969. Made of nickel-plated metal with nice ball lampsha...Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsNickel
- 1970s German J. T. Kalmar Kalmar Franken Frosted Glass & Chrome Pendant LightBy J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar LightingLocated in London, GB1970s, frosted-glass, pendant hanging ceiling light manufactured in Germany. Designed by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG. The light has a textured, frosted, iced-glass circular ...Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- J.T Kalmar Brass Sputnik Scorpio Chandelier Ceiling Lamp Light, 1950By J.T. KalmarLocated in Vienna, ATJ.T Kalmar brass Sputnik Scorpio chandelier ceiling lamp light, 1950. Rare original 'Scorpio' fixture by Kalmar/Austria composed of brench-like split brass tubes with a gorgeous orga...Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass