glass ice cube desk lamp by Peill & Putzler, 1970s

Transforming light manufacturing into an aesthetic art form, Peill & Putzler is synonymous with futuristic globular glassworks. It was a massive operation at the peak of its production, creating mid-century modern designs and employing up to 1,500 workers. Its table lamps, wall lights and chandeliers and pendants are anything but mundane and are admired today for their innovative artistry.

The melding of two great, independent glassworks companies in 1947 to form Peill & Putzler occurred at the beginning of a postwar design surge. Peill und Sohn, founded in 1903, was led by Leopold Peill, a philanthropist and glassmaker. Originally from Pieńsk in today’s Poland, the Putzler brothers were well-established glass producers known for kerosene street lighting. The synthesis of the two companies established the renowned glassworks and a lighting company. The site of its glassworks factory in Düren, Germany, became the home of this integrated partnership.

In 1953, the German Design Council was formed, with Peill & Putzler as a founding member. The council is essential today, bringing social awareness, support and knowledge transfer to design companies and providing beneficial tools for their success. 

Heading the company at this time were Günther Peill and Hans Ahrenkiel. The pair were experimental with the designs the company produced. Advancing technologies supported industrial production, allowing the company to manufacture pieces that were as much art as functional objects.

Designers of note who worked with Peill & Putzler and contributed to its acclaim included Aloys Ferdinand Gangkofner, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Helmut Demary, William Brown, Horst Tüselmann and Wilhelm Braun-Feldweg. Collaboratively, they produced stunning flush mount lighting, candle holders and vases and vessels.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Peill & Putzler lighting, decorative objects, glass and more.