‎Finnish mid-century design was derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as material. These especially rare flush mounts have been documented to have once graced the Helsinki Home Education College’s walls, along with several other Orno models. This pair of rounded opal glass cylindrical ceiling lights merges together simple shapes and sculptural elements.

During the mid-century era, the company, Stockmann Orno was responsible for a large number of iconic lamps that are still sought after today. This pair of rare opal glass flush mounts marked with the model number “70-013” embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterized Finnish design in the 1950s. Still, even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Opal glass has been around a long time, it was first manufactured by glass blowing houses in 16th century Venice. Opal glass is made by adding opacifiers to the melt, then the particles in the opacifiers scatter light via the Tyndal Scattering Mechanism. Therefore, light is scattered, and secondary colours are produced, resulting in a captivating look. The rounded shape of these lamps are very effective in showcasing the material, and so are this style of lighting fixture. Flush-mount lights are installed directly onto the ceiling and have no visible centre stems that lower the sockets and hold the fixtures below ceiling level. This makes it seem as though the bulbs and shades are mounted right on the ceiling. In this case, this creates a sculptural effect that naturally draws the eyes to these lamps. The blunted cone shape has a strong presence sticking out, quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light these lamps diffuse. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holders, these lamps are flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shades. Finnish designers such as Paavo Tynell were masters of working with milk or opal glass, and their designs featuring the material are some of the country’s most sought-after designs. Stockmann-Orno A.B. was a major lighting factory, founded in 1921 in Helsinki, Finland. From the late 40s to the 60s, Orno’s main lighting designers were Lisa Johansson-Pape and Yki Nummi. At the turn of the 50s and 60s Heikki Turunen and Svea Winkler worked for the company. In the mid-60s, Japanese lighting designer, Motoko Ishii, who had become known since then, practised at Orno.

The 1950s was a time of great innovation in Finnish design, as designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. These model “70-013” flush mounts embody these qualities perfectly, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but highly functional design.

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:

11.81 in Ø x 13.38 in H

30 cm Ø x 34 cm H