Like the “G30” model, this lamp is also better known by its nickname, Cerf-volant, or, “the kite”. This lamp is an elegant creation equipped with an atypical and structured reflector and an adjustable rod in brushed varnished brass.

This wall lamp is from the original Édition Disderot from the 1950s. When we talk about Pierre Guariche's work, two of his creations immediately come to mind: the famous “Amsterdam” chair called the “barrel” in moulded plywood (edition Steiner, 1950s) and the elegant Cerf-Volant lamps designed for French lighting manufacturer Pierre Disderot in the 1950s. His lamps of the period are likely his best-known works. This “G25” wall lamp includes the characteristic delicate composition of a slender steel tube and the more flamboyant reflector. Despite its curved metal material, the reflector appears light, almost paper-like. This lightweight impression is further enhanced by the long, slender tube in lacquered black metal and brass that holds it effortlessly. The construction utilizes a large metal cup to hide the light source and thanks to its metal deflector, the lamp diffuses both direct and indirect light, upward and downward. The light flow can be optimized thanks to its adjustable brass rod. Guariche invented an enormous variety of solutions: the adjustable balance arm, the cantilever, and spherical counterweights just to name a few. In his designs, there is no gratuitous stylistic excess or purposeless detail, whether technical or functional.

Designer and interior architect Pierre Guariche was one of the most prolific luminaire designers of the 1950s. That much is clear from his productive collaboration with lamp manufacturer Disderot, for which he was the preferred designer, and for which he would develop more than 40 influential and groundbreaking pieces, including this “G25” model.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The shade has minor marks, some discolouration. The metal tube has some marks and scratches.

Dimensions:

15.74 in W x 53.93 in D x 31.49 in H

40 cm W x 137 cm D x 80 cm H

Literature:  

Art Et Décoration, septembre-octobre 1957. Similar model. p. 26

Les Décorateurs des Années 50, P. Favardin. Similar model. p. 166 

1000 lights: 1960 to present, C. Fiell and P. Fiell, Taschen 2005. p. 453

The Complete Designers’ Lights II: 35 Years of Collecting. – Clémence et Didier Krzentowski. p. 106

About the designer:

Designer Pierre Guariche was born in 1926. He studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, graduating in 1949. He then worked in the studio of Marcel Gascoin and presented his first designs at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs and the Salon des Arts Ménagers.

In 1953, he designed the mythical “Tonneau” chair for Steiner, first in plastic (1953) and then in bent plywood (1954). In 1954, he founded the Atelier de Recherché Plastique with Joseph-André Motte and Michel Mortier. Three years later in 1957, he was named Artistic Director of furniture manufacturer Meurop. As a teacher, he shared his knowledge with the students of the Ecole Supérieure d’Architecture de Tournai and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris.

He knew how to bring a personal, innovative touch to design, combining aestheticism and series production. His heart’s desire was to respond to the requirements of his era by making use of series production techniques. His creations, such as the Tonneau chair (1953 and 1954), the Tulipe chair (1956) and the Président desk (1961), have become legendary pieces.

Along with his furniture pieces, his innovative lighting models brought him much success and renown. Today, Guariche's interior lights are being produced by traditional French manufacturer Sammode.