Pair of Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen Model "E1296" Table Lamps for ASEA Lighting, Sweden 1950s
Pair of Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen Model "E1296" Table Lamps for ASEA Lighting, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen was a Danish designer who is best known for his wide collection of lighting fixtures. A licensed ornamental metalworker, Holm-Sørensen started his design career in the 1950s, and many of his designs feature metal surface with different ornaments and perforations. This distinctive model is among his rare early creations. Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget (in English, the “General Swedish Electrical Limited Company”), ASEA was a Swedish manufacturer of electrical products and industrial infrastructure. While broadly known for the more large-scale parts of the catalogue; e.g., steam turbines for power plants, high-speed locomotives for passenger railroads, etc.—ASEA endures in the hearts of design lovers for their mid-century interior lighting collections produced in collaboration with venerated designers like Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen and Hans Bergström.
These rare ASEA table lamps, model E1296, date back to the 1950s, featuring a cone-shaped base crafted from solid wood and a highly distinctive and artistically formed opaline glass shade secured by a brass cylinder. The overall impression of the design is at the same time futuristic and essentially mid-century modern. This impressive achievement is the result of the materials and their innovative but functional use. This is especially true for the reflector “dancing” with the glass shade. Its white lacquered inside reflects the light, creating a nice effect. The light also highlights the brass cylinders around the neck of the lamps. The large dominating parts are balanced by the sleek elements such as the tubes holding the reflectors, and the conical shapes. During the 20th century, ASEA Belysning had acquired several rival companies, solidifying its position as one of Sweden's premier manufacturers of light fixtures. ASEA's Stockholm drawing office was responsible for the development of numerous modernistic lamps, designed for both public spaces and domestic applications. The company collaborated with numerous renowned designers, including Hans Bergström and Uno Kristiansson, over the years. As the story goes, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen sketched on everything: envelopes, theatre programmes, even tram tickets. Some sketches remained ideas, but others he brought to life in the form of lamps. Thanks to a combination of imagination, talent and vision, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen created some of the most distinctive models of the 1950s, including these E1296 table lamps. While the large conical elements will be the first to catch the eye, the materials are just as interesting. The body is composed of teak, brass, and opaline glass, making sure that each material stands out in its own right. The conical construction makes the lamps look light, balancing the thicker teak body. As a licensed ornamental metalworker, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen possessed an experimental, yet balanced understanding of materials, which is clearly traceable in this model. The dark teak parts are all separated by elements of different materials like the brass and glass; this clever feature highlights each part of this table lamp, making it a well-thought-out, proportionate and artistic model.
The Swedish company, ASEA manufactured these lamps with utmost care for their quality. The company was among the most renowned Swedish lighting manufacturers during the mid-century era, working with some of the most well-known Scandinavian designers. These rare table lamps show the great success of these collaborations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
5.51 in W x 5.51 in D x 14.96 in H
14 cm W x 14 cm D x 38 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Hans Bergström’s designs are just as scarce today as the information available on the Swedish designer, despite his undeniable quality of output. Guided by the mantra, “Light must be white and shine freely,” he designed and produced functional and modern fixtures that were intended to brighten up entire spaces.
The beauty of these stylish lamps lies in the combination of materials, including the accent wooden necks, the brass elements and the scalloped edged shades. The pairing of brass and wood creates an interesting visual effect, where the organic and traditional look of the wood meets the modern look of brass. Swedish lighting manufacturers, like ASEA, were masters of creating designs with great textural variety - as this lovely table lamp shows. The brass elements tie the materials together in a design that is indeed innovative and modern, yet still fresh to the contemporary eye. The beautiful colours and textures of the materials are further emphasised when the light is turned on by the switch on the base. This elegant pair casts an atmospheric light and thus contributes to the warmth of an interior but also fits perfectly on an elegant surface.
This lamp model effortlessly shows off Bergström’s creativity that he always paired with structural precision and material quality. Hans Bergström had a modernist approach based on quality and attention to detail, and was the favourite lighting designer of many fellow architects, among them Bruno Mathsson.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been reconditioned and rewired. The shades are later replacements. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items may have marks, and discolouration. All lighting can be converted for US usage.
Dimensions:
15.35 in ⌀ x 22.63 in H
39 cm ⌀ x 57.5 cm H