Inherently elegant in its form, this “51/M” table lamp by BJS is a prime example of Swedish Modern design. What sets Swedish Modern apart from the rest of the world is how Swedish cultural ideals could translate into design to manifest forms that are just as stylish as functional.

This model has an unmistakable Swedish mid-century look; from the clean lines and subtle decorative elements to the intuitive functionality, this lamp is timelessly stylish. The design focuses on clean, minimalist lines made of polished brass and teak without compromising on elegance and quality. The base is quite robust, mirroring the shape of the cylindrical shade and grounds the design both visually and structurally. The lampshade’s generous surface area shows off the beauty of the polished brass, while the inside is lacquered white for functionality. The top of the shade is raised and perforated letting though the light at the top as well. The shade can be adjusted at its neck through a joint that allows the direction of the light to be customizable. The elegant, statuesque look is further aided by the teak lower half of the neck that provides contrast to the brass with its organic, deep brown colour and grain. This duality of materials creates a lot of textural interest. What makes this lamp, so aesthetically pleasing is its lack of clutter aided by the interesting pairing of materials. At the company, BJS, drew their own models and were responsible for the entire manufacturing process. This lamp is marked “Skellefteå BJS Sweden”.

Bröderna Johansson Skellefteå developed a speciality of pressure-turned objects including musical instrument elements (Dizzy Gillespie was a fan) and metal lampshades. Lighting design and production in the 1950s was a major focus of BJS and earned them much renown, which, as this lamp shows was well deserved.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has some marks and beautiful patina.

Dimensions:

11.22 in W x 6.29 in D x 16.14 in H (shade is adjustable)

28.5 cm W x 16 cm D x 41 cm H (shade is adjustable)

‎‎About the manufacturer:

The company, Bröderna Johanssons Autometall started its operations in 1946 and the founders were Gustav Johansson and Tore Marklund. They started under the name Johansson and Marklund.

The company's origin is the result of great initiative and creative entrepreneurial spirit. The company's founder Gustav Johansson started as a very young man at Bäcklunds Metallvarufabrik in Skellefteå, then he ended up at Rönnskärsverken as a mechanic. Johansson and his partner, Tore Marklund started the company's operations in 1946 in an old carpentry factory in Hedensbyn, with the manufacture of bodies for trailers and trucks as well as car accessories as well as the rebuilding and repair of truck bodies and truck cabins. Then the production of flower tables and trellises came into the picture.

In 1947 Tore Marklund left the company. Gustav Johansson's brother Verner then became his partner in the company, which was then named Bröderna Johanssons Autometall. After a few years, the business shifted more and more to the production of pressure-turned and punched parts. They had also started manufacturing lighting fixtures, which soon became the company's main focus. In the mid-1950s, they had an annual production of 20,000 reading lamps and industrial lighting.

Gustaf and Verner Johansson moved the operations from Hedensbyn to Hantverkshuset in 1951 and had a fairly varied production, although the emphasis was on the manufacture of lighting fixtures. A speciality of the company was the manufacture of pressure-turned products, e.g. metal lampshades and strings for wind instruments. The company ceased operations in 1979. Manufacturing rights and machines were sold to Martin Karlsson and Börje Johansson, who started Norrsken Metall in Skellefteå AB. ~H.