Wall lamp
This rare wall lamp from the 1940s exemplifies the Brutalist approach to lighting design, combining raw materiality with geometric clarity. The piece features a vertical copper backplate that supports three identical opaline glass shades arranged in a stacked configuration. Each shade is shaped as a tapering square form, projecting outward from the wall, with the front face adorned by a square copper plate. The opaline glass diffuses light evenly, producing a soft glow, while the copper accents provide visual weight and textural contrast.
The copper surfaces have developed a natural patina over time, ranging from deep brown to greenish oxidation, enhancing the lamp’s sculptural character and evidencing its age. The opaline glass retains its smooth, matte translucency, offering a calm counterpoint to the more rugged metal finish. When illuminated, the lamp casts light both forward and outward, emphasizing its geometric arrangement and creating a warm, atmospheric effect.
The Brutalist style, emerging in the mid-20th century, is characterized by an emphasis on structural honesty, simple geometric forms, and the expressive use of materials in their natural state. This lamp reflects those principles through its straightforward construction and unadorned surfaces, allowing the inherent qualities of copper and glass to define the design.
The piece remains in good vintage condition, with visible signs of age and wear that contribute to its authenticity. The patina on the copper adds depth and uniqueness.
Dimensions: height 38 cm (15 inches), width 12.5 cm (4.9 inches), depth 14 cm (5.5 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | W: 12.5 / D: 14 / H: 38 |
Color | White |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Brutalism, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Copper, Opaline glass |
Designed in | 1940s |
Item Number | 250294 |