Lightolier Wall Sconces, USA, circa 1979
View Similar Items
Lightolier Wall Sconces, USA, circa 1979
About the Item
- Creator:Lightolier (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1979
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Norwalk, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: 7915WOO1stDibs: LU92042706582
Lightolier
Founded in 1904 in New York and family-operated through most of its history, Lightolier was one of the pioneering American electric lighting companies, best known for its embrace of stylistic and technical innovations.
Collectors focus on vintage Lightolier lighting fixtures produced from the 1950s and into the 1970s, when an in-house design team led by Gerald Thurston — and a stellar cast of international design contributors — created an array of practical yet aesthetically lively table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers.
Amidst the post-World War II building boom, Lightolier — the name combines “light” and “chandelier” — aggressively boosted its residential lighting division. Thurston, who was strongly influenced by the sleek designs of Gino Sarfatti and his Italian lighting firm Arteluce, towards simpler lamp designs that offered flexibility of function. His best-known designs include the Cricket task light — a lamp with an adjustable enameled metal hood that toggles on a slender bent-metal base — and the three-legged Tripod floor lamp. At the same time, Thurston had a wonderful eye for talent and sought work from some of the lesser-known greats of the era, such as Paavo Tynell, the Finnish lighting designer, who designed several brass chandeliers for Lightolier with his trademark elegant flamboyance.
And more, Thurston recognized abilities in designers not known for their work in lighting.
Edward Wormley, head of furniture design for Dunbar, produced several noteworthy chandeliers employing canisters and reflective hoods. Alvin Lustig was famed as a graphic designer. His ca. 1953 Ring ceiling fixture for Lightolier had a minimalist techno look some 30 years ahead of its time. But this was par. Designed by Michael Lax in 1964, the Lytegem high-intensity lamp — included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art — features a ball-shaped shade attached with a chromed armature to a cubic base, a form that would be widely copied in the following decade. Chandeliers designed in the early 1970s by Gaetano Sciolari, with details such as acrylic diffusers and vertical, two-bulb arms, would define the look of lighting in their day.
A look through these pages reveals just how astonishingly wide a range of lighting pieces Lightolier produced. The company never flicked off its stylistic switch.
Find a collection of vintage Lightolier lamps and other lighting fixtures on 1stDibs.
- Pair of Louis Poulsen Wall SconcesBy Louis PoulsenLocated in Norwalk, CTA pair of these modern classic sconces designed by Louis Poulsen. Each newly wired, replacing original florescent fittings with incandescent ligh...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
$1,250 / item - Pair of Neoclassical Column Lamps, USA, circa 1950sLocated in Norwalk, CTA handsome pair of metal lamps, featuring a neoclassical motif in a verdigris bronze finish. All new wiring and three-way sockets in bronze tone. N...Category
Vintage 1950s Neoclassical Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Shell-Form Console by Grosfeld House, USA, Circa 1950sBy Grosfeld HouseLocated in Norwalk, CTA beautifully restored, classic Hollywood Regency shell-form console by Grosfeld House. Newly painted in plaster white with a super flat finish. Excellent condition.Category
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Console Tables
MaterialsPlaster
- Pair of Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA, Circa 1950sBy Paul McCobb, Planner GroupLocated in Norwalk, CTAn iconic pair of McCobb chests, manufacturers by Planner Group circa 1950s. Distinctive modern legs. Original solid brass custom pulls. This pair has b...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMaple
- Hand Painted Modern Floor Lamp, USA c1970sLocated in Norwalk, CTDramatically hand painted floor lamp with solid brass base and lamp fittings. All new wiring and new shade. Brass fittings have been newly polished and lacquered. The lamp measures 1...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Lighted Lucite and Lacquered Wood Table, USA, 1970sLocated in Norwalk, CTSuper cool 1970s lighted table. Lacquered wood and white lucite panels. Interior lighting provides a tasteful glow through lucite panels. Wood portions have been newly lacquered glos...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsLucite, Wood
- White Wall Sconce by LightolierBy LightolierLocated in New York, NYLarge white wall sconce by Lightolier. Signed, USA, circa 1950. Newly rewired and refinished in white satin powdercoat.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
$1,120 Sale Price60% Off - Wall Light Sconce Gerald Thurston LightolierBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in New York, NYLarge wall light sconce Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Handcrafted glass with white and gold colored glass overlay creating a bursting display...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass
- Gerald Thurston Lightolier Wall Sconce LampBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonThese lamps were covered outdoors, so we had to paint them and remove the rust. They need to be rewired and change where the bulbs screw in.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- 6 Units of New Old Stock from Lightolier 1980s Louvered Wall Sconces , USABy LightolierLocated in St- Leonard, QuebecIn sealed, marked Lightolier box. Model 6569 Well designed, made with thick metal, powder coated in a matte/semi gloss light beige and dark brown tone. Solid, sturdy construct...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsSteel
$640 Sale Price / item57% Off - Lightolier SconceBy LightolierLocated in Philadelphia, PAWall Sconce possibly by Lightolier. 2 Cones connected in the middle with light source at both ends. Shade pivots easily to direct the light. All original condition, paint shows som...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsMetal
- Pair Lightolier Alabaster Brass Wall SconcesBy LightolierLocated in Palm Springs, CAPair Lightolier curved alabaster wall light sconces with brass fittings and brass plated trim backplates. Each uses single 60 watt regular A size bulb. Second pair available.Category
Late 20th Century American Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsAlabaster, Brass
