Hans Bergström wall lamp

This rare two-armed wall lamp, model 416, was designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Philips in Sweden during the 1950s. Bergström was one of the central figures in Swedish mid-century lighting design and is best known as the founder of Ateljé Lyktan. His work frequently combined technical precision with subtle decorative elements, resulting in lighting that balances functional clarity with a refined visual character.

The lamp is executed in brass and features a compact, symmetrical structure mounted on a circular wall plate. From this central mount extends a horizontal arm that supports two opposing light fittings. The arrangement creates a balanced composition, with the shades positioned evenly on either side of the mount. A small switch is integrated into the wall plate, maintaining the lamp’s clean and practical design while allowing for convenient operation.

Each shade has a tapered conical form with a slightly cylindrical upper section that transitions into a broader lower opening. The brass surface has a warm golden tone and displays natural signs of age, including small marks, patina, and subtle variations in the finish that contribute to the lamp’s authentic vintage character. The perforated lower sections of the shades form a pattern of small circular openings arranged in a grid-like formation. These perforations are both decorative and functional, allowing small points of light to pass through the metal surface.

When illuminated, the lamp produces a distinctive lighting effect. The primary light is directed downward from the open bases of the shades, while the perforations create a constellation-like pattern of small glowing dots across the brass surface and surrounding wall. This combination of direct and filtered light adds visual depth and atmosphere, a characteristic feature of Bergström’s lighting designs.

Hans Bergström played an important role in shaping Swedish modern lighting during the mid-twentieth century. His designs are often recognized for their elegant proportions, careful material selection, and thoughtful control of light. The collaboration with Philips represents part of the broader dissemination of Scandinavian lighting design during the post-war period, when such designs gained increasing international recognition.

The lamp measures approximately 20.5 cm in width, 17 cm in height, and 14.5 cm in depth, corresponding to about 8.1 inches wide, 6.7 inches high, and 5.7 inches deep. It remains in good vintage condition with visible signs of use and patina on the brass surfaces consistent with its age. These traces of wear contribute to the historical character of the piece while preserving the integrity of the original design.