Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Desk/Table Lamp
View Similar Items
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Desk/Table Lamp
About the Item
- Creator:Lightolier (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Diameter: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88784452153
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.
- Stiffel Art Deco Revival Brass Desk or Table Fan Lamp Uplight, circa 1970sBy StiffelLocated in San Diego, CAWonderful Stiffel Art Deco Revival brass table or desk lamp, circa 1970s. The lamp is in the shape of a fan and creates a wonderful uplight. Works as it should. In very nice conditio...Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Modernist Table Lamp Made in Finland, circa 1950sBy Paavo TynellLocated in San Diego, CAGreat modernist design Finnish table lamp, circa 1950s. Original enameled blue and black paint. Has the original cord and works great. In very nice original condition.Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
- Chinese Bronze Cloisonne Lamp by MarbroBy The Marbro Lamp CompanyLocated in San Diego, CAChinese bronze with cloisonne enamel table lamp with wonderful patina by The Marbro Lamp Company, Los Angeles.Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
- British Mid Century Royal Selangor Pewter & Rosewood Coffee Pot By Gerald BenneyBy Royal Selangor, Gerald BenneyLocated in San Diego, CAWonderful vintage mid century designed Royal Selangor coffee pot. Designed by Gerald Benney during the 1960's. This tea pot dates from the early 1990's. Wonderful form and design. Ha...Category
Late 20th Century English Tea Sets
MaterialsPewter
- British Mid Century Royal Selangor Pewter & Rosewood Tea Pot By Gerald BenneyBy Royal Selangor, Gerald BenneyLocated in San Diego, CAWonderful vintage mid century designed Royal Selangor tea pot. Designed by Gerald Benney during the 1960's. This tea pot dates from the early 1990's. Wonderful form and design. Has a...Category
Late 20th Century English Tea Sets
MaterialsPewter
- Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing DeskLocated in San Diego, CAUnique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Double Desk LampBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic, Mid-Century Modern, double-headed desk lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier features painted metal shades with perforated diffusers and brass accents on a faux wood metal ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Desk LampBy Gerald ThurstonLocated in Riverdale, NYGerald Thurston for Lightolier Desk Lamp from the 1950s in an Industrial green grey enameled sheet metal. Crescent base and sw...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- 1970's Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Black Lacquered Table / Desk LampBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in New York, NYGerald Thurston for lightolier basic concept table lamp with black lacquered steel base and lamp stem, white acrylic drum shade and plastic diffuser unde...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Gerald Thurston "Cricket" Lamp for LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in Brooklyn, NYGreat modernist design, can sit on table or be hung on the wall as a sconce. Pierced pivoting shade allows for direct or diffused light and brightness control.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsEnamel
- Vintage Gerald Thurston Porcelain Table Lamps for LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in Chicago, ILGerald Thurston porcelain table lamps for Lightolier.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsPorcelain
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Adjustable Taupe Desk Lamp, 1950'sBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in Bainbridge, NYOriginal condition Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Pivoting Library lamp, 1950's. Featuring an articulating patinated Brass stem, resembling a smooth Bronze appearance, adjustable Tau...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Enamel
