"GA9" Wall Lights by Erik Gunnar Asplund for ASEA, Sweden 1940s

In the annals of mid-century modern design, the Swedish designer and architect, Gunnar Asplund stood out as a luminary, and his delicately sculptural creations, such as this pair of wall lamps from the 1950s, epitomize the era's sophistication and functional beauty. Swedish architect and designer, Erik Gunnar Asplund is celebrated as the godfather of functionalist design in Sweden. Asplund's meticulous attention to detail and penchant for marrying form with function is evident in these wall lamps, combining materials just as ingeniously as forms and shapes. Crafted in the 1950s, these wall lamps feature circular brass mounts that gracefully extend two brass arms, holding both the light bulbs and the large, sculptural opaline glass diffusers. The geometric precision of the design reflects Asplund's architectural background, where clean lines and balanced proportions reign supreme. The lamps serve as great examples of the enduring quality of mid-century Swedish craftsmanship. Swedish mid-century modern design, marked by its emphasis on simplicity and functionality, sought to bring beauty into everyday life. Asplund's pieces encapsulate this ethos, transcending mere utilitarianism to become objets d'art that enhance living spaces. Manufactured by ASEA, a Swedish powerhouse in electrical engineering and industrial design, these lamps embody the marriage of aesthetics and utility. ASEA, founded in 1883, played a pivotal role in shaping Sweden's industrial landscape. Their foray into lighting design seamlessly blended technological innovation with artistic sensibility, making them a prominent player in the mid-century modern movement. The choice of brass and opaline glass as primary materials in these lamps speaks to the enduring appeal of this combination in mid-century modern lighting design. Brass, with its warm and timeless lustre, complements the opulence of mid-century interiors, while opaline glass diffusers disperse light with a soft, ethereal glow. This harmonious pairing endures as a hallmark of sophistication, blending seamlessly into contemporary design aesthetics. Swedish lighting design, deeply rooted in the country's commitment to quality craftsmanship and functional elegance, continues to influence global trends. The enduring popularity of mid-century modern design, exemplified by these Erik Gunnar Asplund lamps...

Many museums, churches and headquarters of large companies house the work of Scandinavian Modern lighting designer Carl Fagerlund. Initially an instructor of illustration, Fagerlund ...

With its organically shaped blown glass shade, especially rare in this opaline frosted glass version, the GA9 resembles a floating droplet. Designed by Swedish architect Erik Gunnar Asplund, widely regarded as the godfather of Swedish modernism, this lamp embodies his signature geometric clarity and structural ingenuity. Like his Stockholm City Library, it balances simplicity with innovation. A bent arm holds the glass, while another secures the light source at the luminaire’s center. The black lacquered metal curves organically, contrasting with polygonal backplates—an interplay of geometry and fluidity that defines Asplund’s vision. The large, mushroom-like shades diffuse light in a soft, mesmerizing glow, enhancing the atmosphere beyond mere functionality. Asplund’s influence extended to Scandinavian design icons such as Alvar Aalto, Erik Bryggman...

Wall lamp designed by Gunnar Asplund. Produced by ASEA in Sweden, 1950s.