Josef Frank floor lamps

This very rare pair of floor lamps, model 2564, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. They embody the refined yet humanist approach that characterizes Frank’s work, combining functional clarity with rich material contrasts. The lamps present an understated elegance, marked by slender proportions and a distinctive combination of black lacquered metal, polished brass, and turned wooden feet.

Each lamp consists of a cylindrical shaft with a lower section finished in matte black lacquer, meeting a polished brass stem in the upper portion. This linear brass segment supports a hemispherical brass cup that houses the socket and mounts the shade. The shades are newly fabricated in white textile, formed in a slightly flared conical profile that diffuses light softly and evenly. The brass is finely machined, with precise joins and minimal hardware, culminating in a finely crafted shade holder with a turned finial at the top. The circular base is formed from solid brass and rests on three turned wooden feet in a dark brown finish, lending the lamps a subtle elevation and architectural composure.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), an Austrian-born architect and designer, was a central figure in Swedish modernism. After fleeing Austria in the 1930s, he settled in Stockholm and began a long and fruitful collaboration with Estrid Ericson, founder of Svenskt Tenn. Frank’s design philosophy emphasized comfort, visual richness, and eclecticism, often contrasting the strict rationalism of early modernism. His work for Svenskt Tenn includes furniture, lighting, textiles, and interiors that continue to define Swedish decorative identity. The model 2564 floor lamps reflect Frank’s preference for elegant construction over ornament and his ability to create forms that are both timeless and approachable.

The lamps remain in excellent condition, with minor signs of age-related wear primarily on the brass surfaces. The shades are newly made according to the original specifications and appear crisp and clean. The pieces are marked “Svenskt Tenn 2564/1” on the underside, affirming their provenance.