Bertil Brisborg table lamp

This table lamp, model 2043, was designed by Bertil Brisborg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden during the mid-20th century. It exemplifies the Scandinavian modern approach to lighting design, combining refined craftsmanship with functional elegance. The lamp is constructed from brass and leather, with an original fabric shade that contributes to its warm and atmospheric light.

The structure consists of a circular brass base with two ivory-toned switches, leading to a slender stem wrapped in hand-braided leather. The tactile quality of the leather contrasts with the polished brass, a material pairing that reflects the Nordic sensibility for combining natural and refined elements. The cylindrical shade is made of a beige linen-like fabric, softly diffusing the light and creating a balanced visual proportion between base and top. Inside the shade, the lamp accommodates multiple bulbs, allowing for adjustable brightness through its dual-switch system.

Bertil Brisborg (1920–1997) worked as an architect and designer, contributing extensively to Nordiska Kompaniet’s lighting department. His designs often display a restrained, architectural clarity, balancing practicality with understated luxury. NK, the prestigious Swedish department store and producer, was known for its collaborations with prominent designers, supporting Scandinavian modernism in both furniture and lighting design throughout the mid-century period.

The lamp remains in good condition with an authentic patina on the brass, reflecting natural aging and prior use. The fabric shade shows some staining, consistent with age, while the leather-wrapped stem retains its structure and rich color. These signs of use highlight the lamp’s history without diminishing its functionality or aesthetic value.

The lamp measures 61 cm in height (approximately 24 inches) and the shade has a diameter of 34 cm (approximately 13.4 inches). Its proportions make it well suited as a table lamp, combining decorative presence with practical illumination. This model represents a fine example of Scandinavian lighting design, reflecting both NK’s production quality and Brisborg’s architectural approach to form and material.