"Omaha" Chrome Desk Lamp by Cedric Hartman
About the Item
- Creator:Cedric Hartman (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 13.88 in (35.26 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s-1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU928316980392
Cedric Hartman
Cedric Hartman stated that the sole purpose of his floor lamps and table lamps was illumination, not noticeability. The result of this function-first philosophy has been a masterful collection of subtle mid-century modern and modern lighting fixtures that shine with simple but undeniable beauty. Hartman brought the same approach to his sleek and elegant side tables, which can blend into space while elevating an interior.
Hartman was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1929. In the late 1940s, he began a career as an architect; it was put on pause while he served in the Korean War. After the war, he spent time in Chicago, Paris and New York studying art and design. Hartman moved to Omaha in the early 1960s and started designing lamps. His dream was to create a lamp that would provide ample lighting without any imposition on a room.
Hartman’s ambitions were realized in 1966 with the design of the 1UWV floor lamp. While sleek lamp designs are easier to make today due to LED technology, Hartman’s lamp was revolutionary for its time. The slim and unimposing metal lamp with its thin triangular shade contrasted with the bold, bulky and decorative lights of the day.
The 1UWV lamp was an instant success. It was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and displayed in its 1967 “Recent Acquisitions: Design Collection” exhibition. It also became a favorite of architects and decorators and was featured prominently in design magazines.
Hartman created many more floor and table lamp designs, including the 1H floor lamp, another low-profile luminaire added to the Museum of Modern Art collections. In 1968, Hartman began designing sofas, and in 1973, he branched out into table design.
While the 1UWV floor lamp remains his most famous work, Hartman’s illustrious furniture career spans over 40 years of thoughtful design.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cedric Hartman lighting and tables.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Table Lamps
Nickel
Vintage 1970s Table Lamps
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Table Lamps
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Bronze, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Floor Lamps
Chrome
