European Modern Brass and Opaque Matte Glass Wall Lamps, Europe 1960s (sold)

European Modern Brass and Opaque Matte Glass Wall Lamps, Europe 1960s (sold)

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Most of the stunning classic designs from the turn of the century to the 1960s, termed "mid-century", captured the imagination of the world, especially the work of European modern age architect-designers, who set the high bars for lighting design in particular.

The sconce is a wall-mounted lighting fixture, traditionally used to hold candles or torches. The 1960s were largely defined by leading European designers’ sleek and innovative modernist designs that became the trademark style in modern lighting history. Like most light fixtures of the era, the design of this pair of wall sconces assumes a more minimalist look that does not contain prisms and illuminates the space with direct light from the shades. Most European designers prized the marriage of form and function, with a poise that is hard to imitate or force. It is this effortless element that sets the era’s design apart. The shape and material of the shades sets the overall aesthetic of these lamps, introducing modernism to a classic style of one-armed wall lamps. The opaque glass is shaped into a characteristic form with a spherical body narrowing towards the top held tightly by the brass shade holders. The shade holders have thin perforations running around the cups letting the light shine through from behind the glass. The round backplates balance and accentuate the rod and shades nicely with their round shape. The simple design of these lamps is clean with a straightforwardly modern look that retains some more classic elements. Combining the brass bases and backplates with the matte opaque glass shades, this pair is brilliant in its pairing of materials. The design is very successful in mixing the traditional and modern elements while staying true to the guiding principles of modernism. Further, the prowess of the designer becomes evident as these wall lamps stand as statement pieces despite their minimalism. Since the two materials - brass and opal glass - dictate the look, much attention was paid to the quality and to the craftsmanship that united them into their particular shape.

The design has great proportions, and when lit, these lamps create an exceptionally atmospheric light, giving the brass a warm colour as well. Sconces are timeless pieces of lighting fixture types that can easily elevate their surroundings. These fixtures never go out of style, and have been in use for centuries for a good reason.

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