Hans Bergström wall lamps

This wall-mounted light fixture, model 1070, was designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, during the 1940s. It is a rare and significant example of early mid-century Scandinavian lighting, reflecting Bergström’s architectural precision, interest in materiality, and focus on pattern-based illumination.

The lamp is made from patinated copper, which has developed a rich green and brown surface due to natural oxidation over time. This patina not only enhances the vintage character of the piece but also serves to protect the copper substrate beneath. The lamp’s construction features a cylindrical shade with evenly distributed vertical perforations that increase in length toward the lower edge. These slits allow light to pass through while also serving a functional purpose by aiding in ventilation.

Mounted on a straight tubular arm that extends horizontally from a round wall plate, the structural form of the lamp is simple and robust. The clean lines emphasize both function and symmetry. The underside of the lamp is coated in a reflective light green hue, visible from below, which enhances the luminance output slightly and contributes to the lamp’s overall visual composition.

When illuminated, the lamp creates a dynamic lighting effect with linear shadow patterns projected onto surrounding surfaces, showcasing Bergström’s exploration of controlled light dispersion and environmental interaction. The fixture is designed to accommodate a maximum of 75 watts, as indicated on the original label.

Hans Bergström (1910–1996) was one of Sweden’s most influential lighting designers and a co-founder of Ateljé Lyktan in 1934. His work spans the range from functionalism to poetic modernism, with a particular emphasis on craftsmanship and experimentation with light modulation. Early designs like model 1070 show a strong influence from the Bauhaus and international modernist movements, tailored to fit Scandinavian material culture and spatial sensibility.

The dimensions of the lamp are 14 cm in width, 24 cm in depth, and 19 cm in height (approximately 5.5 inches wide, 9.4 inches deep, and 7.5 inches high).

The fixture is in its original vintage condition, showing visible signs of age including surface oxidation, wear, and subtle discoloration, all consistent with copper-based lighting from this era. It remains structurally sound and fully functional. This lamp is not only a historically significant example of early Scandinavian industrial design but also a visually striking piece that demonstrates Bergström’s mastery of light and form.