Holger Johansson ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp, designed by Holger Johansson and produced by Westal in Sweden during the 1950s, embodies the restrained elegance and technical precision of Scandinavian mid-century lighting. Crafted primarily from solid brass, the lamp’s central stem rises to support two concentric tiers of cylindrical arms, each arm terminating in a socket holder. The nine sockets are arranged symmetrically—six on the lower ring and three on the upper—creating a balanced, modular form that reads as both architectural and decorative. Over time the brass has acquired a warm, mellow patina, highlighting its vintage character and underscoring the material’s enduring quality.

Each light point is fitted with a pressed-glass shade, made from thick, molded glass whose irregular “bubbled” surface adds visual texture and depth. Though clear, the glass bears a subtle frosted quality that softens and diffuses the bulb’s output, preventing glare while producing a gentle, ambient illumination. The shades are short cylinders, slightly tapering toward their bases, and they seat securely on the brass holders, ensuring both stability and ease of maintenance.

Holger Johansson (1910–1993) was a leading figure in Swedish lighting design, renowned for his functionalist approach and his emphasis on clear structural logic. His collaboration with Westal, a company founded in the 1940s and celebrated for its high-quality metal and glass fixtures, resulted in lighting that married artisanal workmanship with industrial accuracy. Johansson’s designs frequently employed repetition and symmetry, as seen in this chandelier’s two-tiered arrangement, and his choice of materials—brass, copper, and textured glass—became a hallmark of Westal’s post-war output.

This chandelier retains its original brass ceiling canopy and suspension rod, preserving its authentic profile and installation hardware. Measuring 55 cm in diameter and extending 130 cm from ceiling to lowest shade (approximately 21.7 by 51.2 inches), it casts an impressive yet refined presence in medium to large interiors. The lamp remains in very good vintage condition, with only minor surface wear and patina that speak to its careful use and maintenance over the past six decades.