Complimentary Pair Karl Springer Lucite and Gun Metal Torchiere Floor Lamps
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 72 in (182.88 cm)Diameter: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Good original, with gun metal and lucite showing light surface wear typical of gentle use. Original wiring. One light switch possibly replaced.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.
In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.
By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.
Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Karl Springer Lucite and Brass Floor LampBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYTall incised Lucite column on heavy brass base with brass cap and double socket cluster.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Nickel and Lucite Lamp By Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYThick lucite stem with incised center channel on each side sites in chromed base with chrome accents. Highest quality construction.Category
Vintage 1980s American Table Lamps
MaterialsLucite
- Pair Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps with Original Polished Steel ShadesBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYRare pair of large solid clear acrylic oval block lamps with the original mirror-polished steel shades and diffusers. Cords are embedded in the lucite blocks, which support a double ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamp with Original Polished Steel ShadeBy Karl SpringerLocated in Brooklyn, NYRare solid clear acrylic oval block lamp with the original mirror-polished steel shade. Cord is embedded in the lucite block, which supports a double cluster socket and adjustable ri...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Pair of American Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Floor LampsBy Yellin IronworksLocated in Brooklyn, NYWonderful hand-wrought iron lamps with controlled rust patina surface and bronze elements.Category
Antique Early 1900s American Floor Lamps
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Hansen Aluminum and Enameled Brass Floor LampBy Hansen Lighting Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYGreat architectural design. Center stem is composed of four aluminum rods held by gun metal enameled brass braces and X-base. Featuring Hansen's patented three-way rotating switch.Category
Vintage 1960s American Floor Lamps
- Karl Springer Postmodern Lucite Torchiere LampBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) Postmodern torchiere lamp in opaque sandblasted lucite with brass elements, circa 1970s. Dealer: ...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Matching Pair of Karl Springer Modern Chrome & Lucite Torchiere Floor LampsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Philadelphia, PAA matching pair of Torchieres by Karl Springer circa 1980s. These feature mirror polished chrome with thick acrylic accents. Base diameter is 11.5 inches. Top shade Diameter is 16 in...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Karl Springer Lucite Floor LampBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYLucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.Category
20th Century American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- MCM Torchiere Frosted White Glass & Lucite Floor Lamp after Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Plainview, NYA Mid-Century Modern torchiere floor lamp inspired by the timeless designs of Karl Springer (German 1931-1961). This exquisite piece boasts a generously sized tulip-style frosted whi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsGlass, Lucite
- Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970By Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILKarl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsLucite
- Pair of Lucite and Chrome Floor Lamps by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of beautiful Lucite and chrome floor lamps designed and manufactured by Karl Springer in the early 1970s for a private home in NY. The lamps came from the original owners and a...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome