Anglepoise ‘Type 75 Desk Lamp’ by Sir Kenneth Grange (2004)
Inspired by the Anglepoise Apex 90 from the 1970s, this iteration of the Anglepoise desk lamp carries the traditional modern lines and functionality of the lamp’s previous iterations. Anglepoise lamps have firmly situated themselves in pop culture, featured in Pixar’s iconic logo animation, the Roald Dahl Museum and even on a 2009 Royal Mail Stamp in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary. Its minimalistic aesthetic and practicality make it the perfect addition to a work desk or small reading nook.
The Bankers Lamp (1909)
The first patent for the Bankers Lamp was issued in 1909 to Harrison Dawson McFaddin, they were then manufactured by J. Schreiber & Neffen who only made the green lampshades for H.G. McFaddin & Co. Originally called the Emeralite, the lamp’s simple design consisted of a brass base and a green-over-white cased glass shade. The iconic shade was formed by fusing an inner white opal glass with an outer green glass layer. The Emeralite was then adopted by several financial institutions, earning its name of The Bankers Lamp.
Nesso Table Lamp by Giancarlo Mattioli (1967)
Known for its mushroom shape and bright color, the Nesso Table Lamp was designed by Giancarlo Mattioli in 1967. Four concealed bulbs emanate a soft glow from the lamp’s ABS plastic molded top and base. The Nesso Table Lamp would go on to make appearances in iconic museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and it is still being recreated by numerous design companies today.
Louis Poulsen’s PH5 Pendant Lamp (1958)
Created by Poul Henningsen for Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen, the PH5 Pendant Lamp was made to accommodate the changing size and shape of incandescent bulbs. The lamp’s design is based on Henningsen’s three-shade system. The shape effuses descending and lateral light allowing the light to remain soft and glare-free.
Atollo Table Lamp by Oluce (1977)
Designed by Vico Magistretti for the Italian design company Oluce in 1977, the Atollo Table Lamp is considered unique for its progressive design and use of materials. The geometrical dome at the top and the use of metal in the construction instead of wood add a touch of Magistretti’s design aesthetic to an everyday object. The cylindrical base of the lamp ends in a cone, softening the light and creating the illusion of the opal glass dome floating above the base.
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s Arco Floor Lamp (1962)
The Arco Floor Lamp was created to solve one of the toughest design challenges, how to light your dinner table. Brothers Achille Castiglione and Pier Giacomo developed the floor lamp to provide ample overhead light while remaining mobile. This way homeowners were granted the freedom to rearrange their space how they liked without calling an electrician to remove and replace overhead ceiling lights.
Tiffany Studio Lamps by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1895)
Known for their ornate designs and intricate patterns, the first Tiffany Lamp was created in 1895 by Clara Driscoll, a designer at Tiffany Studios. The lamp’s intricate design process begins by fusing hundreds of colored glass pieces together following the pre-determined decorative design. The result is a heavy, glass shade that doesn’t vibrate due to the soldered joints holding it in place.
