Svend Aage Holm Sørensen floor lamp

The very rare Fishing Pole floor lamp, designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen and produced by Holm Sørensen & Co in Denmark, is an iconic and sculpturally refined example of mid-century Danish lighting. This piece exemplifies Holm Sørensen’s talent for merging functional design with natural inspiration, resulting in a lamp that is both practical and poetic.

The design is centered around a long, angled teak arm that gently arcs outward, evocative of a fishing rod, from which the lamp derives its nickname. The teak is finely shaped and finished, displaying a rich, warm tone and tight grain that speak to the quality of the wood and the attention to craftsmanship. The articulation of the arm is enhanced with polished brass fittings—discreet yet elegant components that allow for slight adjustability while introducing a subtle metallic contrast to the wood.

A weighted black iron base anchors the piece with stability and visual grounding, its matte finish offsetting the natural warmth of the teak and the gleam of the brass. Rising from this base, the graceful curve of the wooden arm gives the lamp a dynamic, tensioned silhouette that feels light yet balanced.

Suspended at the end of the arc is a pleated white plastic shade, softly diffusing light to produce a warm and inviting glow. The ribbed texture of the shade not only contributes to its soft, sculptural quality but also enhances its luminous properties. The shade’s delicacy is balanced by the robustness of the supporting structure, reinforcing Holm Sørensen’s hallmark ability to pair elegance with durability.

Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (1913–2004) was a key figure in postwar Danish design, particularly noted for his innovative lighting. He often explored organic forms and experimental materials, as seen in this lamp’s curved armature and choice of pleated plastic. Holm Sørensen & Co, his own firm, was known for its high production standards and for supporting the designer’s exploratory approach to lighting throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

This example of the Fishing Pole lamp is in excellent vintage condition. The teak has been carefully preserved with only minor wear, the brass shows an attractive aged patina, and the iron base remains solid and stable. The pleated shade is in outstanding shape, with no cracks or discoloration, maintaining its original translucency and form.

As both a sculptural object and a functional light source, this floor lamp captures the spirit of Danish modernism—where natural materials, thoughtful detailing, and a sense of movement coalesce into timeless design. It is a rare and collectible piece that exemplifies Svend Aage Holm Sørensen’s enduring contribution to the canon of Scandinavian lighting design.