Lightolier Chrome Desk Lamp
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Lightolier Chrome Desk Lamp
About the Item
- Creator:Lightolier (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1970
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU954114932131
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.
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier White Cricket Lamps - PairBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of matched "Cricket" table lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Enameled white shade, articulates from angular brass base. A versatile lamp that may be hung on the ...Category
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$1,600 - Gerald Thurston Cricket LampBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in Brooklyn, NYOriginal "Cricket" table lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Enameled white shade, articulates from angular brass base. A versatile lamp that may be hung on the wall as...Category
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- Josef Hurka Red Industrial Desk LampBy Josef Hurka, KovonaLocated in Brooklyn, NYModel L194 task lamp in slate gray, designed by Josef Hurka for Lidokov. A sleek and functional table lamp with industrial charm. Conical shade is fully adjustable and can be lowered...Category
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- Lightolier Lytescape Perforated Metal Outdoor Lanterns or LampsBy Lightolier, Gino SarfattiLocated in Brooklyn, NYA scarce pair of Lytescape outdoor lamps, often attributed to Gino Sarfratti, manufactured by Lightolier. These vintage lamps feature perforated metal bases with a bright vermillion...Category
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- Gerald Thurston Ribbed Ceramic Table LampsBy Lightolier, Gerald ThurstonLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of ceramic table lamps, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Executed in a minimal black and white, this fresh design has a ribbed motif that adds texture to these large ...Category
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$2,800 / set
- Vintage Lightolier Desk LampBy LightolierLocated in Los Angeles, CAAdjustable white metal shade and white metal base with brass arm, hi-lo dimmer switch on top of the shade, medium base socket.Category
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- 1980s Black Lightolier Desk LampBy LightolierLocated in San Gabriel, CA1980s black Lightolier desk lamp. Extremely heavy base. Some scratches and scuffs from age. The tension arm makes the lamp adjustable to many configura...Category
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- Lightolier Gooseneck Desk Reading LampBy LightolierLocated in New York, NYAdjustable desk, reading lamp. Classic Post Modern design in the Italian School.Category
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- Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Articulating Desk LampBy LightolierLocated in Cordova, SCSuper cool vintage Lightolier desk lamp. It’s perfect for the mid-century modern office! Sleek design and clean lines. Made from hard plas...Category
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- 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
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- Vintage Gooseneck Desk Lamp attributed to LightolierBy Gerald Thurston, LightolierLocated in Chicago, ILAdorable Vintage Gooseneck Desk Lamp. Designer and Maker unknown. Quality parts and good weight. The knob is wood. original wiring.Category
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