Svend Aage Holm Sørensen table lamp

This rare table lamp was designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen and produced by Holm Sørensen & Co. in Denmark during the 1950s. The lamp showcases the essential qualities of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design, combining sculptural form, material contrast, and functional minimalism. It features a conical lampshade made of black lacquered metal, mounted on a looping brass armature that seamlessly transitions into a circular base. A segment of the upright structure is wrapped in braided brown leather, introducing both texture and warmth to the composition. This leather detail is a nod to the handcrafted approach often found in Holm Sørensen’s work.

Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (1913–2004) was renowned for his experimental and expressive lighting designs, which often featured raw or patinated metals and bold geometric or organic forms. His contributions to Scandinavian modernism during the 1950s and 1960s were significant, and he placed a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and material quality. Holm Sørensen & Co., the producer of this lamp, was active in producing decorative and architectural lighting and collaborated with leading Danish designers of the postwar period.

The lamp is constructed from brass tubing, which has developed a natural patina over time, giving it a distinctive, aged character. The black-painted metal shade remains matte and retains its original finish, although it shows light scuffing typical of age. The hand-braided leather covering on the central grip area adds a tactile, organic element. The shade is fixed in place but can be rotated slightly for directional lighting, emitting a focused, downward beam suitable for desk or accent lighting.

The lamp is in good vintage condition, with some surface wear and minor oxidation visible on the brass components, consistent with age and use. The black lacquered surface of the shade shows light scuffing but maintains its original matte appearance.

The dimensions of the lamp are 17 cm in width, 29 cm in depth, and 50 cm in height (approximately 6.7 inches wide, 11.4 inches deep, and 19.7 inches tall). This lamp is a rare and valuable example of Holm Sørensen’s early lighting designs, embodying the functional elegance of mid-century Danish lighting.