William Watting attrib. floor lamp
This is a rare and large floor lamp in nickel-plated metal, attributed to William Watting and produced in Denmark during the 1950s. The lamp is designed in a classic mid-century Scandinavian style, combining minimalist geometry with refined material execution. Its most distinctive feature is the wide, flared trumpet-shaped reflector that functions as an uplight, distributing ambient illumination upwards and diffusing light softly across the ceiling.
The lamp stands on a circular weighted base, supporting a slender vertical shaft that culminates in the flaring shade. The shade is spun in a continuous form from metal, widening elegantly toward the top with a smooth, seamless profile. The surface is nickel-plated and exhibits a soft satin sheen with visible signs of oxidation and patination, particularly around the base and reflector edge, consistent with age. The integral rotary switch is mounted at a convenient height on the central shaft and is designed with a small knurled toggle in metal, in keeping with the industrial yet restrained aesthetic of the period.
William Watting, an American-born designer who worked extensively in Denmark during the 1950s, is recognized for his clean-lined and graceful interpretations of Scandinavian modernism. Though primarily associated with cabinetry and furniture, his lighting designs—often produced in small series—emphasized functional elegance and discreet sculptural forms. This lamp, though unsigned, aligns with Watting’s sensibilities in its proportion, surface treatment, and subtlety of detail.
The lamp remains in good vintage condition with authentic patina and minor wear to the metal finish. The piece has been preserved with its original form and proportions intact, and the lighting function remains fully operable.
Dimensions: Diameter 55 cm (21.65 inches), Height 187 cm (73.62 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | H: 187 / ⌀: 55 |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Nickel plated metal |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 123868 |
William Watting