Alvar Aalto floor lamp

This is the rare and highly sought-after Angel Wing floor lamp, model A805, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Valaistustyö in Finland in the 1950s. This example represents an early first production. The lamp features Aalto’s signature sculptural approach, with a white painted metal shade composed of multiple overlapping slats arranged in a gently flaring, wing-like formation. The shade diffuses light softly upwards and outwards, creating a warm ambient glow that is characteristic of Aalto’s lighting designs.

The lamp stands on a slim brass stem that rises from a circular base wrapped in stitched black leather, adding a tactile and refined material contrast. The pull switch is placed just below the shade, maintaining a discreet and functional design. The brass elements have developed a natural patina over time, contributing to its authentic vintage character. The paint on the shade shows minor signs of wear consistent with age, while the leather base exhibits light scuffing.

Alvar Aalto’s lighting designs were deeply rooted in his humanistic approach to architecture, aiming to create warm, indirect light reminiscent of natural daylight. The A805 Angel Wing model is among his most iconic floor lamps, notable for its combination of sculptural form and functional efficiency, making it an enduring piece in Scandinavian modern design history.

The dimensions are 51 cm wide, 34 cm deep, and 173 cm high, corresponding to approximately 20 x 13.4 x 68 inches.