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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

Designers have been consistently inspired by nature in their work during the mid-century era, which makes curvilinear shapes an ongoing source of inspiration. Hans-Agne Jakobsson was no exception, being just as innovative on the front of shapes as on the front of materials.

This pair of “BN-26” lamps has an individualistic look with a layered look consisting of four lacquered aluminium parts resembling mushrooms. This mushroom silhouette, lovable as it may be, has only gained wide popularity during the 1970s. The style’s recent popularity has much to do with the heart-warming light emitted from its undeniably whimsical design; making cramped spaces feel cosy. In the case of this pair, it’s its surface treatment that makes it stand so brightly out, quite literally. The lamps are made of gold anodized aluminium, a material that is created in the anodizing process where a coat of aluminium oxide forms on the surface of aluminium and integrates within the structure of the aluminium bonds. This creates a durable and corrosion-resistant coating that does not chip or peel. The material truly stands out on the layered mushroom shades, especially when the lamps are lit up. The stems are just as interesting as the upper half of the design; the wide, round bases taper upwards to narrower necks, creating a graceful silhouette that is both eye-catching and functional. The shape of the lamps are perfectly balanced, with the wider bases providing stability while the sleeker tops allow the multilayered shades to stay in focus.

Jakobsson mastered both the direction and colour of light. His designs are known for their hidden bulbs and muted lighting. On top of this, thanks to the anodization process, these table lamps are much shinier than other typical metals.

Condition:

In good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The shades have some light scratches. The lamps differ slightly in color.

Dimensions:

12.99 in Ø x 16.53 in H

33 cm Ø x 42 cm H

About the Designer:

Born in 1919 in Gotland, Sweden, Hans Agne Jakobsson is one of the most well-known Swedish lighting designers. He did his carpenter apprenticeship before studying architecture in Gothenburg.

First working as an industrial designer for General Motors, he later founded his own company after being an assistant to the designers Carl Malmsten and Werner West. In 1950, due to Christmas, he added a model of hanging lamps in small strips of pine in one of his stores to soften the lively lighting of the shop window. The people who were passing by were immediately seduced by this hanging lamp, which started it all. He established his own company in 1951: Hans Agne Jakobsson AB and began producing this model in his factories and achieved success abroad as well. In 50 years, he designed more than 2000 lamps with unique designs.

He used materials and experimented with multiple techniques, for example using fabrics with fringes, blown glass of colour and smoked glass. His great diversity resulted in a wide range of timeless lighting models. These pieces continue to seduce design lovers, as they adapt themselves to any interior, without blending into the background.

Today, Jakobsson’s works can be found in private homes as well as public institutions throughout Sweden. The designer passed away in 2009 in Sweden, leaving behind a great legacy. ~H.