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Price category: 500 - 2,500 usd / eur

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The two Danish designers, Preben Juhl Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm agreed upon the design philosophy of “perfection, aesthetics and minimization”. Their most famous lighting design, the “P376 KF1” pendant light designed in 1963 is the physical manifestation of this ideal.

This P376 pendant lamp is a perfect example of Fabricius & Kastholm's subtle architectural slant on design. Originally conceived in 1963, five concentric shades create gradations of curves towards the middle of the lamp to emit a soft, diffused light. The discrete placement of the shades and the silky brass finish culminate in a cohesive expression that is both iconic and enthralling. Its well-thought-out, multi-layered brass structure has a beautiful yellow hue both on the in- and outside, which is the most apparent when the light is lit and the brass “lights up”. This model was designed to emit a soft, diffused light that is perfect to add cosiness to any space. Another advantage of the brass is its high quality, which makes this pendant timeless both in terms of quality and design. The modern, symmetrical multi-layered design became iconic among European designers, defining and inspiring the era’s lighting design, and continue to elevate even the most modern interiors.

From the late 1950s, Nordisk Solar Compagni—or simply “Solar” (as seen in adverts and catalogues from the era)—focused entirely on manufacturing high-quality lighting. They collaborated with the era’s most well-known Danish lighting designers and used their expertise in using plastic for the production of radio sets, to create exceptional lighting fixtures in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the brass. One side has a bend in the brass.

Dimensions:

21.65 in Ø x 8.66 in H

55 cm Ø x 22 cm H

About the designer:

The two Danish designers, Preben Juhl Fabricius (1931-1984) and Jørgen Kastholm (1931-2007) met each other at the School of Interior Design where they both studied in the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until they both had gained some experience abroad that they met again in 1960 and agreed upon the design philosophy of; Perfection, Aesthetics and Minimization. 

They were driven by a mutual mission to make form a pure derivative of function. Both were architects and graduated from the Danish School of Interior Design, where they studied under Finn Juhl and subsequently with Arne Jacobsen. In 1961, they established a partnership and founded an architecture office. While Fabricius was an educated cabinetmaker, it was with Kastholm’s unique experience as a blacksmith that the obvious and usual choice of material would be steel.  

Although the two designers have individually created some interesting pieces, it is as a pair that they have achieved their greatest success. During the eight years of partnership they managed to create a wide selection of very high quality designs. The results were often minimalistic and functional designs in steel, glass and leather. Although the collaboration only lasted about ten years and the pair only designed a handful of items, many of them have been chosen to museums as prime examples of Danish modernism, including the Museu de Arte in São Paulo to MoMA in New York and the Musée d`Art Moderne in Paris. ~H.