Illumination

Unique and striking lighting xtures that celebrate the art of glass-making

Glass and lighting design have been inextricably linked since the birth of the first light bulb. With its intricate filaments encased in thin, transparent glass, the rudimentary light bulb—the nucleus of modern electrical lighting—may be something we take for granted today but when it was first invented by Thomas Edison in 1879, it was an enigmatic wonder that opened the door to myriad possibilities for makers of lighting products. Simple and beautiful, glass is a material that perhaps best captures the spirit of the Industrial Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment, when science and intellectual enquiry triumphed over the Dark Ages’ medieval modes of thinking, transforming the world into a better and brighter place.

Today, new technologies and processes allow glass to be altered into an even wider variety of colours, textures, shapes and densities. When it comes to working with glass, designers have great freedom in experimenting with the material, resulting in a plethora of unique and striking lighting options for your home.

GLASS AND LIGHTING DESIGN HAVE BEEN INEXTRICABLY LINKED SINCE THE BIRTH OF THE FIRST LIGHT BULB

CREATIVE TRANSMISSION Designed by Prague studio Deform in collaboration with Kavalierglass, Lasvit’s Transmission sculptural chandelier (also pictured on the opposite page) has unique shades made with Simax—a low-expansion, borosilicate glass known for its high thermal shock resistance and stability. These layers of Simax glass have been cut and welded so that the lamp creates luminous kinetic effects from every angle.

With a form reminiscent of pulled taffy, Bocci’s 87 collection of pendant lights adds a playful touch to any room. The work of Israeli designer and sculptor Omer Arbel, long sections of heated glass are stretched vertically, then repeatedly folded back on themselves to create the lamp’s organic form. This folding motion also results in a pearlescent sheen; this textured effect is created by using soda water to trap the air bubbles during the glassmaking process.

PLAYFUL TWIST Italian designers Pio and Tito Toso were born in Venice, a city with a storied heritage in glassmaking. The Blow collection, which the brothers have created for Studio Italia Design, pays homage to this wonderful material. Appearing like a task lamp trapped in a soap bubble, the exquisite beauty of glass shines in this dynamic design; a magnet placed on top of the lamp allows users to change the direction of the light source.

BUBBLE POP With its spherical form, the Selene pendant lamp appears like a giant bubble, which also celebrates the clarity of glass. Designed by Sandra Lindner for Classicon, the lamp, which is centrally suspended by a five-armed light head can be used individually or in a group. The Selene is available in five different sizes, in a choice of lacquered, brass or copper-plated finishes.

Shaped like a bell jar, the Semplice table lamp is composed of a single glass bell that contains a diffuser. Designed by British designer Sam Hecht for Oluce, the lamp features a black metal cap which encases the luminous bulb; the lower end of the bell rests on the table as support. Comprising a galvanised head, metal braid wires, and a rotary dimmer, the Semplice is a good choice for a minimalist interior. GLASS CHIME

NATURAL CALLING Three sizes of bulbous smoked glass shades encase the light bulbs of the Ivy floor lamp, which was created by Prague-based designer Lucie Koldova for Brokis. Inspired by climbing ivy, this lamp consists of modular components that can be positioned vertically or horizontally for decorative effect. The bud-like lamps attached to a metal “branch” also mimic the poetic charm of the delicate pussy willow plant.