Artemide Tolomeo Desk Lamp.

About the Item

This Artemide Tolomeo dest lamp was designed by both Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987 as a reinterpretation of the lighting used in factories during the age of industrialism.The Artemide Tolomeo is both flexible and functional and is one of the worlds most iconic designs. The combination of the cantilevered arm and weighted base ensures smooth movement and a precise distribution of light. The light can be adjusted and the structure holds stable in every position. The Tolomeo has won various design awards including the IF Product Design Award, the Red Dot Design Award and the prestigious Compasso dOro.

Creator:
Artemide (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 39.38 in (100.03 cm)Width: 9.06 in (23.02 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70.01 cm)
Power Source:
Plug-in
Voltage:
220-240v
Style:
Industrial (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal,Metalwork
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
1987
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Nantwich, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7032241483082

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Artemide

Artemide is an iconic firm in the design world. The mid-century Italian company is one of the best known lighting manufacturers and its award-winning fixtures are held in museum collections everywhere. Vintage Artemide table lamps, pendants, ceiling lamps and other lighting represent a thoughtful merge between functionalism and eye-catching design.

Artemide, which is based in Pregnana, was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1959. During that year, Mazza created the first table lamp for the manufacturer — a modernist work in glass, marble and metal that he called the Alfa. Gismondi, who studied aeronautical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and missile engineering at Rome’s Professional School of Engineering, applied his knowledge of cutting edge technology and materials such as fiberglass resin to Artemide’s designs for lighting and furniture.

In 1967, Artemide won Italy’s Compasso d'Oro design award for its Eclisse table lamp, which was designed by Vico Magistretti two years earlier. Other award-winning fixtures include the Tizio table lamp designed by Richard Sapper and the Tolomeo table lamp.

Designed by Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the Tolomeo featured the patented George Carwardine mechanism used in the original Anglepoise lamp. De Lucchi would later be recruited to join visionary postmodern design collective the Memphis Group. Artemide’s Gismondi purchased the brand after founder Ettore Sottsass dismantled the collective in 1988, and it was bought by Alberto Bianchi Albrici in 1996.

Artemide’s list of design, innovation, sustainability and other industry awards is long and distinguished. The firm continues to actively collaborate with internationally revered designers and seek out new talent through workshops with design schools. The company’s deeply held values — energy-saving lighting, sustainable design and ethically sourced materials — characterize its current offerings, and Artemide furniture and lighting can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions.

On 1stDibs, find Artemide tables, seating, floor lamps, chandeliers and more.