Holger Johansson ceiling lamp
Rare multi-tiered ceiling lamp designed by Holger Johansson and produced by Westal in Sweden in 1952. The lamp is constructed around a central vertical brass column from which horizontal arms are cantilevered in a regular grid, creating a clearly architectural and modular composition. Each arm carries a spherical glass shade, giving the piece a strong geometric rhythm and a three-dimensional volume that reads almost like a luminous cube when viewed from below.
The structure is executed in brass with a warm golden tone and a satin, slightly brushed surface. The globes are made of lightly smoked, transparent glass with a subtle grey-amber coloration. When unlit, the glass reads as a soft neutral tone that allows the brass framework to remain visually prominent; when lit, the globes pick up the warm color of the bulbs and create a dense field of reflections and highlights, emphasizing the depth of the construction. The spherical shades have clean circular openings at the bottom, reinforcing the technical character of the design while ensuring efficient downward light.
The lamp is in excellent vintage condition with small signs of usage consistent with age and careful handling. The brass surfaces show minor marks and light wear, while the glass globes are clear and present well, without disturbing damages. The overall impression is of a well-preserved original piece that retains its intended finish and character.
Holger Johansson was an industrial and lighting designer active in Sweden during the mid-20th century, known for technically precise yet visually rich luminaires that often used modular arrangements of glass and metal. His work for Westal explored the possibilities of serial production combined with strong sculptural presence, making his lighting suitable for both public interiors and larger domestic settings. Westal, a Swedish lighting manufacturer founded in the first half of the 20th century, specialized in high-quality metalwork and glass, supplying robust but refined fixtures for architectural projects, municipal buildings and demanding private clients.
The ceiling lamp measures 80 cm in diameter (approximately 31.5 in) and 133 cm in height (approximately 52.4 in).
Dimensions (cm) | H: 133 / ⌀: 80 |
| Producer | Westal |
| Decade | 1950s |
| Country | Sweden |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Brass, Glass |
| Designed in | 1952 |
| Item Number | 250441 |
Holger Johansson