‎‎‎Swedish lighting manufacturer, Luxus gave form to some of the now iconic models that define the “Swedish mid-century style”. This brass five-light ceiling lamp was created in this “golden age of Scandinavian design”, a period that saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated visual language, emphasizing sleek design and craftsmanship.

Most of Luxus’s products were designed in-house by founders, Uno and Östen Kristiansson, likely this model as well. The cosy, classic feature of this model are the so-called Texolux plastic shades covered in a textured fabric that stands especially beautifully when the light is on. The shades have a classic drum shape that offers plenty of surface to showcase the fabric, and to illuminate the space. The straight rod is combined with predominantly curved elements such as the chains connecting the rod to the canopy, the organic arms, the spherical finial, and the canopy. Despite the numerous details, the structure remains uncluttered so that the shades stand out effectively. The eye-catching brass body is enriched with the warmth the light creates when the light is switched on, creating a cosy atmosphere. Thanks to the arrangement of the shades, the light is distributed evenly in all directions when switched on. The combination of materials, shapes, and textures creates this lamp’s classically Swedish modern design, a clear return to bright simplicity that is in opposition with the later brighter, mass-produced models’ aesthetic.

Swedish designers and founding brothers of Luxus, Uno & Östen Kristiansson were particularly active from the 1950s to the 1970s in Sweden. They were prolific designers with a clear design aesthetic that is easily recognizable as Swedish modern. This marked ceiling lamp model is exemplary of their work and of the era as well.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The brass has some small marks and scratches.

Dimensions:

22.83 in Ø x 42.12 in H

58 cm Ø x 107 cm H

About the Designer:

Swedish designers and brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson, known for their lighting and mirror designs, were particularly active from the 1950s to the 1970s in Sweden. Although there is a dearth of biographical information available on the pair, their designs are nonetheless appreciated by vintage lovers, and are highly sought-after on the vintage market today.

Uno was born in 1925, and Östen two years later in 1927. Little is known about their formative years, but it can be surmised that they spent their early years in southern Sweden, learning the furniture trade from their father who ran his own furniture business, Vittsjö Furniture (established in 1919), named after the Swedish village in which it was located.

In 1950, Uno Kristiansson founded his own manufacturing company, Luxus, which was also situated in Vittsjö. He produced a range of products, including home and interior lamps, furniture and mirrors, that were designed by the two brothers. In the 1950s, the collections were launched nationally in Sweden, and internationally across Europe. In 1968, Luxus presented a collection of lamps with brightly coloured textile shades that perfectly encapsulated the mood of the 1960s. They are said to have been designed by renowned Finnish textile artist Marjatta Metsovaara (1927-2014).

It is speculated that in 1966, Östen took over his father’s business and renamed it Östen Kristiansson AB, which now operates under its original name, Vittsjö Möbelfabrik AB. It is unclear what was produced during this time, or if the company was separate from Luxus. From the 1970s, Luxus focused on the creation of lighting for public spaces, once again featuring models made from acrylic, with contrasting minimal wood details.