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Monumental Ceramic Totem Floor Lamp by Potiers of Accolay, France, Circa 1970
About the Item
Discover this magnificent and rare floor or table lamp, a sculptural piece by the celebrated Potiers d'Accolay from the 1970s. This impressive lamp stands out with its openwork ceramic base finished in a speckled off-white and gray glaze, giving it a unique textured look.
The tapered base is beautifully crafted with horizontal lines and punctuated by circular cutouts. Translucent amber resin inlays, illuminated from within, are placed at the center and on the sides, casting a warm glow and a striking light pattern through the perforations.
The original cylindrical lampshade is a work of art in itself. Made from a translucent resin resembling fiberglass, it is wrapped in a woven gray wool yarn that forms a beautiful geometric diamond pattern. This shade diffuses a soft, warm light, creating a cozy and sophisticated ambiance.
With its organic lines and distinctive design, this lamp embodies the aesthetic of the 1970s and will find its place in a modern, bohemian, or mid-century interior. It is signed "ACCOLAY" on the base, attesting to its authenticity and origin.
Details and Dimensions:
Total Height: 95 cm (37.4 inches)
Ceramic Base Dimensions: Height 46 cm (18.1 inches), Diameter 24 cm (9.4 inches)
Lampshade Dimensions: Height 50 cm (19.7 inches), Diameter 40 cm (15.7 inches)
Materials: Glazed ceramic, resin, and wool yarn
Period: Circa 1970
Condition: Excellent original condition. The resin inlays are luminous and intact. The lampshade is in great shape.
This piece is more than just a lamp; it is a true luminous sculpture that will add character and elegance to your decor.
The History of Potiers d'Accolay
The "Potiers d'Accolay" (Potters of Accolay) refers not to a single artist, but to a collective of ceramicists who left a significant mark on 20th-century French pottery. Their story begins after World War II in the small village of Accolay, located in the Yonne region of Burgundy, France.
Foundation and Beginnings (1945)
The adventure was launched in 1945 by four young men—André Boutaud, Louis Dangon, Slavik Paley, and Raude (sometimes spelled Rodet)—who had trained in ceramics under the famous master Alexandre Kostanda. To avoid forced labor in Germany during the war, they had taken up this technical training. Once peace was restored, they decided to settle together in an old, abandoned factory in Accolay.
Their first production was unexpected: ceramic buttons, brooches, and jewelry. Success came quickly when fashion designer Christian Dior ordered a large quantity of buttons for his "New Look" collection, officially launching their career.
A Collective and Innovative Style
Over time, the collective grew, recruiting other artisans, notably the Canadian painter Raphaël Giarrusso, known for his work that incorporated wire. The Potiers d'Accolay distinguished themselves through:
Technical Innovation: They explored new techniques and materials. They are particularly known for their crackled and speckled glazes, as well as for integrating translucent resin into their creations, especially for lampshades, lamps, and illuminated tables.
Abundant and Varied Production: Vases, masks, sculptures, lamps, coffee tables... their pieces are characterized by organic shapes and bold geometric patterns.
A Distinctive Aesthetic: Their style, both rustic and modern, blended tradition with innovation. Inspired by regional pottery and abstract art, they created an accessible and high-quality "folk art."
An Ingenious Commercial Strategy
The success of the Potiers d'Accolay can also be attributed to their marketing savvy. Located on the Nationale 6, the main road connecting Paris to the south of France, they transformed old gas stations into permanent exhibition galleries. These "artistic stopovers" became essential stops for vacationers, allowing them to sell their works directly to a large audience without depending on the Parisian art market.
The End of an Era
The collective’s journey lasted several decades. In 1964, they legally structured themselves under the name "Créations et Expositions de Poteries d'Art Modernes" (CEPAM). However, the creation of the A6 motorway in the 1970s diverted tourist traffic away from the Nationale 6, marking the beginning of their decline. The death of André Boutaud, one of the founders and a central figure of the group, in 1980, accelerated the end of the enterprise. Production ceased permanently in 1989, and the buildings were later demolished.
Today, the works of the Potiers d'Accolay are highly sought after by collectors of 20th-century design, a testament to the boldness and collective spirit that drove this community of creators
- Creator:Accolay Pottery (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 37.41 in (95 cm)Diameter: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Power Source:Hardwired
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Brutalist (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:leucate, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7285246416052
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