Art Deco Lamps
When we think of Art Deco lamps, one of the most popular designs which springs to mind is the nude figure in chrome or nickel plated metal with a glass shade on top. These are in some ways a throw-back to the naturalistic figural style of the Art Nouveau, but with the twist of the new machine age materials. But lamps were made by the most famous Art Deco designers in Paris throughout the 1920s and encompass a great variety of styles. Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann designed a fabulous lamp with cascading glass beads for his pavilion entitled Hotel d'un Collectioneur at the 1925 Paris Exposition. His lamps are now highly sought after. Edgar Brandt lamps made from wrought iron and glass are also very desirable. Lalique made over 20 different designs of milky glass table lamps, as well as many larger light fixtures for hotels and businesses. Other major glass-makers such as Daum Frères and Tiffany made Art Deco lamps and these all fetch very high prices these days. Towards the end of the 1920s and into the 1930s, lamps were influenced by the more Modernist style which embraced the Machine Age and made use of the new materials such as chrome, nickel, steel, smoked glass, and Bakelite. In the USA this style was taken up by designers such as Von Nessen and Deskey and sold through all the big department stores from 1927 onwards and throughout the depression years.
In 1932 the famous angle-poise lamp was invented, which has survived ever since, and these are still as stylish and functional as ever. They were originally black enamel, but have been made in all kinds of materials including Bakelite. Steel or chrome with opaque glass are probably the most common of the Art Deco modernist materials, but there are a wealth of shapes and sizes to choose from. Standard lamps, or Torchères were often very tall, and designed to focus the light upwards. Instead of the old fashioned fabric shades with fringes, glass or metallic shades would diffuse the light evenly and upwards. Stands were sometimes made of wood, or Bakelite, and the glass shades were frequently cream or white with stepped design. Though shades were also made in other colours, such as blue and green, and could also be fitted from the ceiling.
Collecting Art Deco LightingLamps attributed to a specific designer are now getting very expensive and sought after, but will be a great investment. Watch out for fakes though, and buy from a reputable dealer. There are lots of more affordable lamps to choose from, keep a close eye on your local garage sales and auctions, and there are lots to choose from online if you don't mind paying a little for postage. Art Deco lamps can add a touch of stylish chic to any room. For other types of light fittings, click here. I have made a selection from the lamps available on Ebay USA, UK and Australia for you to choose from. Not a seasoned online buyer yet? Then read my Safe Buying Guidelines. |
