This pair of Annette van Gessel and Von Ullrich Mies designed heavy cast table lamps is a striking piece of late 20th century design.  Utilitarian by design, the medium is forged with a simplicity of efficiency in mind, with just a glance towards design via the offset nature of the manufactured stand and head.

These lamps can be described by many expressions such as: brutalist design, design classic. The design is quite special mixing the arts and crafts aesthetic with industrial and modern design elements. The organic shapes recall skyscrapers with their elongated necks and bodies. This is no coincidence as both designers admittedly derive their inspiration for new designs from nature and architecture. The organically shaped tops show the former source of inspiration especially. Additionally, the design duo of Annette von Gessel and Ullrich Mies have long been fascinated by the potential in design of metals.  Their passion is evident in the balanced imperfection of these table lamps.  Generously utilizing fluid angles and the proportionality found in nature’s architecture, Mies and Gessel have created an arresting design that demands attention without being loud or kitsch.  Their erect structures and double-sided lighting provides solid and perfect ambience lighting  and also stand as sculptures on their own. Each cast brass lamp is divided into two halves and offset just by a noticeable amount, standing on a wide metal base and quickly slimming up to the thin neck that holds the shade.  The lamp heads are also divided in two and offset from one another, creating a light struck in two, with no shadow in between. The light emitted highlights the thin necks. Showing the duo’s great attention to detail, the shades resemble the shape of the bases, thus framing the design visually.

The brutalist rough simplicity of the main materials contrasts interestingly with the round edges of the design and the soft light emitted from the lamps. The geometric asymmetry makes a powerful impression that makes these table lamps true statement pieces. Quasar specializes in distinctive lighting pieces, consciously designed to show character. Like their other models, these “Ara” lamps were both handmade with timeless materials. Bespoke to suit any space. Quasar crafts lighting solutions that stand out, evidenced by this pair.

SOLD

Condition:

In good, vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor wear marks.

Dimensions:

10.03 in W x 4.72 in D x 28.74 in H

25.5 cm W x 12 cm D x 73 cm H