While Hans-Agne Jakobsson designed and produced various types of furniture, his lighting received greater international attention, not without a good reason. As these “V-149/2” wall sconces showcase, the Swedish designer mastered both the direction and colour of his lighting designs.

With each brass frame holding two smoked, translucent glass shades, these lamps clearly show the Swedish designer’s studies in architecture, with beautiful geometric forms and symmetry dominating the structures. Like most mid-century Swedish lighting designs, these models are also dominated by their clear brass structures. The popularity of brass can be attributed to its golden hue that added warmth to the style's modern aesthetic. These wall sconces further emulate the mid-century modern movement's guiding principles through their clean lines and geometric shapes. The structure is composed of a backplate and two poles holding large, elongated brass sockets. Next to the brass, the translucent, smoked glass shades stand out with a shape that resembles a pressed sphere and have a generous size. The smoked effect assures that even when the light is off, the shades have an interesting appearance. Furthermore, thanks to the arrangement of the two brass poles and the shades, these wall sconces divide the light evenly and brighten the yellow brass beautifully, creating a cosy, warm visual effect. These models were produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson’s own company in Markaryd, Sweden.

Sconces are a timeless type of lighting fixtures that can easily elevate their surroundings. These fixtures never go out of style, and have been in use for centuries. This is especially true for mid-century brass models like this group. While already stunning individually, these lights are even more effective when placed in close proximity to each other.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the patinated brass structures.

Dimensions:

12.2 in W x 9.44 in D x 9.05 in H

31 cm W x 24 cm D x 23 cm H

About the Designer:

Born in 1919 in Gotland, Sweden, Hans Agne Jakobsson is one of the most well-known Swedish lighting designers. He did his carpenter apprenticeship before studying architecture in Gothenburg.

First working as an industrial designer for General Motors, he later founded his own company after being an assistant to the designers Carl Malmsten and Werner West. In 1950, due to Christmas, he added a model of hanging lamps in small strips of pine in one of his stores to soften the lively lighting of the shop window. The people who were passing by were immediately seduced by this hanging lamp, which started it all. He established his own company in 1951: Hans Agne Jakobsson AB and began producing this model in his factories and achieved success abroad as well. In 50 years, he designed more than 2000 lamps with unique designs.

He used materials and experimented with multiple techniques, for example using fabrics with fringes, blown glass of colour and smoked glass. His great diversity resulted in a wide range of timeless lighting models. These pieces continue to seduce design lovers, as they adapt themselves to any interior, without blending into the background.

Today, Jakobsson’s works can be found in private homes as well as public institutions throughout Sweden. The designer passed away in 2009 in Sweden, leaving behind a great legacy. ~H.