Josef Frank floor lamp

This height adjustable floor lamp, model 1842, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. The lamp is executed in brass with its original green conical lampshade, which is slightly flared and directs the light downward in a functional yet elegant manner. The brass structure has developed a natural patina over time, consistent with its age and use, while the shade shows signs of wear but retains its characteristic tone and materiality.

The lamp’s form combines a slender vertical stem with a bent arm supporting the adjustable shade, reflecting Frank’s philosophy of creating designs that balance functionality with decorative qualities. The base is composed of four arched brass legs, each terminating in a small rounded foot, providing both stability and a sculptural expression. The overall proportions are refined, and the lamp’s adjustability makes it suitable for both reading and ambient lighting.

Josef Frank, originally from Austria, became one of Sweden’s most influential designers after joining Svenskt Tenn in the 1930s. His work is strongly associated with Scandinavian modernism but is also distinguished by a freer, more organic approach compared to the strict functionalism of his contemporaries. Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, is renowned for its collaborations with Frank and for shaping Swedish design identity in the mid-20th century.

This lamp exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian design, merging practicality with a light and timeless aesthetic. It remains an important example of Josef Frank’s contribution to modern lighting design and Svenskt Tenn’s production legacy.

Dimensions: width 24 cm (9.4 in), depth 50 cm (19.7 in), height adjustable from 98 cm (38.6 in) to 144 cm (56.7 in).