Illumination

Celebrate the art of glassmaking with these handcrafted pieces, which will make elegant additions to your home

Celebrate the art of glassmaking with these brilliant finds

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 stunning lamps. Here are some that we love.

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.

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

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.

SWEET IDEA 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.

NATURAL CALLING Three sizes of bulbous smoked glass shades encase the light bulbs of the Ivy floor lamp, which was created by Praguebased designer Lucie Koldova for Brokis. Inspired by the 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.

GLASS CHIME 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 galvanized head, metal braid wires, and a rotary dimmer, the Semplice is a good choice for a minimalist interior.

BUBBLE POP Wih 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 fivearmed 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.

NEW CLASSIC The La Roche wall lamp is as relevant now as when it was first conceived. Authored by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, this lamp was created in 1925 for his iconic residential projects Villa La Roche and Pavillon de l’esprit Nouveau in Paris. Reissued by Nemo Lighting with an LED light source, this wall lamp was created to illuminate large windows, and is a good choice for areas in need of enhanced vertical lighting.

SMOOTH SHINE Lula, designed by Umberto Asnagno for Penta is available as a floor or table lamp in various heights. With its sleek, hand-blown glass shade and a minimalist frame in either lacquered metal or satin gold, the smooth, rounded glass body of the shade produces a gentle glow.

GOOD COUNSEL When Danish architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller created a new council building in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1946, they also took charge of the building’s interior design. The Aarhus wall lamp was among the pieces created to complement the overall scheme. Produced by Santa & Cole, the elegant and unobtrusive lamp features a sturdy brass skirt and an ovalshaped white opal glass shade. It has a timeless appeal that lends itself well to a variety of interior concepts.

BALANCING ACT Comprising glass, metal and an LED light source, the Coax Pendant 02 has a sleek, industrialinfluenced aesthetic that works well in minimalist interior schemes. Designed by Seattle-based artist and designer John Hogan for Roll & Hill, this transparent cylindrical lamp looks like a tube of light floating in mid-air.