Large Opal Glass Seashell Wall Lamp by Glashütte Limburg, Germany 1970s (sold)















Large Opal Glass Seashell Wall Lamp by Glashütte Limburg, Germany 1970s (sold)
This Glashütte Limburg wall lamp is a playful example of the rebellion against the sleek minimalism of the mid-century modern style. Early 1970s design accelerated the emergence of bold personal expression with an explosion of new shapes and textures to saturate households.
As difficult as it may be to imagine, this model’s main feature is its material, not its shape. It is made of high-quality, hand-blown luminaire glass, in which a wafer-thin layer of opal glass is enclosed between two crystal glass layers, thus it distributes the light uniformly and pleasantly in the room. The main role of the whimsical seashell design is to highlight the beauty of the three-ply opal glass. In their catalogue, Glashütte Limburg stated that “sand is one of the most precious raw materials in the manufacture of glass – and perhaps this is why we feel a special bond to the seashell.” The satin-matte surface of the hand-blown glass glows beautifully when the light is turned on, creating an ambient mood while also highlighting the sculpted seashell form. Additionally to its aesthetic perks, opal glass has many great qualities. It stands out for its elegance, resistance, and practicality which is why it has steadily been around since the 16th century. As a flush mount, the lamp is close to the wall, connecting to it by a metal backplate that is enamelled white.
Glashütte Limburg is a true manufacturer, where impeccable craftsmanship remained in the focus throughout the past decades. While the designer of this model is unknown, many lamps of the company were designed by the Designabteilung Glashütte Limburg (design department) or Atelier Glashütte Limburg.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
10.23 in W x 4.72 in D x 10.43 in H
26 cm W x 12 cm D x 26.5 cm H
About the designer:
Three months after the end of the Second World War in August 1945, graduate engineer Dr Walter Heinrich submitted his first plans for setting up a glass-works to the American military authorities in Limburg an der Lahn in Germany. Approval for building the factory was issued rapidly because the country urgently needed all types of glass. As a result, the ground was broken for Glashütte Limburg as early as 28 September 1945.
Initially, the company was called Glasshüttenwerke Limburg GmbH and employed 80 people. The production range covered drinking vessels, mugs and many other types of catering glasses. Production capacities were increased, and Glashütte Limburgbecame Europe’s largest lighting glass specialist within just a few years, employing almost 1000 people.
In 1962, the company succeeded in winning BEGA Gantenbrink-Leuchten OHG, founded in 1945 – which was at that time already one of the largest companies in the German lighting industry – as its ideal partner. The very first lighting catalogue of Glashütte Limburg appeared in 1963.
The Glashütte Limburg company received the state prize for “Gute Form 1982” (good design 1982) and the “Corporate Design Award 1985”. Glashütte Limburg received 160 iF Design Awards in total.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Danish Modern is an era that defined an essential chapter in design history. Denmark was placed on the world map for its groundbreaking craftsmanship and mid-century modern furniture. This wall lamp displays some of the essential ideals of the style: streamlined modernism accompanied by a functional, timeless design with decorative elements.
This wall lamp features a dynamic brass body that extends outward to hold a stunning glass shade. This wall lamp reflects the danish modern philosophy through its graceful lines, adjustable construction, and thoughtful use of natural materials. The model unfolds through a series of elegant bends that give the brass arm a distinct visual quality. Extending confidently from the wall, the articulated arm allows the light to be positioned with flexibility while creating a striking linear composition. Rather than opting for a classic fabric shade, the designer chose glass as a material. The milky glass contrasts beautifully with the polished brass structure. The shade filters the light, producing a soft, atmospheric glow that enhances the comforting character of the design. Every transition between horizontal and vertical lines feels effortless, revealing the Danish remarkable ability to transform a functional mechanism into something sculptural.
Today we consider the mid-century era a golden age for Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. During these decades, some of the country's most significant luminaires were made, including this exceptional wall sconce.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
9.05 in W x 31.1 in D x 9.44 in H
23 cm W x 79 cm D x 24 cm H