OBJECT <> PLASTIC

IPL modular serving tray | André Morin | IPL, Canada | 1979

2012-02-12T08:28:00.001-05:00

This modular serving tray was designed by André Morin for the Collection series of IPL plastic kitchen accessories. The tray is finished to a bright clean orange shine. The tray features six modular compartments that can be used separately or in any combination. Four of the compartments are wedge shaped and two are rectangular. Each piece is individually signed: IPL Collection Design André Morin Rd. 1979. Made in Canada.

Excellent condition - complete - with no chips, cracks or breaks. Bright shiny polished finish.

eBay item 150752563388 ends February 12, 2012 at 15:06:40 PST (Canada).

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Elena stacking table | Vico Magistretti | Artemide, Italy | 1966

2012-02-12T07:22:00.001-05:00

I have featured the designs of Vico Magistretti before. For a brief biography along with some of his many design accomplishments, click here.

The Elena stacking table is a low square coffee or side table design by Vico Magistretti in 1966 and made for Italian furniture maker Artemide.

eBay item 150755420185 ends February 12, 2012 at 12:11:33 PST (United Kingdom).

Heatball heater | Wernard, Australia

2012-02-11T06:51:00.001-05:00

This is an orange with black accent Heatball heater by Wernard, Australia. This one comes fully working with instructions and no damage and is in the original plastic bag. Impressive “ball” design similar to Weltron radios and speakers and JVC Videosphere televisions.

eBay item 230740047977 ends February 11, 2012 at 07:06:10 PST (Australia).

Usually I can be resourceful and research some extra information about an object. I came up empty on this one, so if you know anything about these space age ball heaters, please post in the comments below.

transparent red mushroom lamps | Gilbert Products, Inc., Softlite, Inc.

2012-02-10T06:18:00.001-05:00

This pair of Gilbert Products, Inc. Softlite, Inc. lamps feature a white plastic standard and transparent red plastic shade. The base measures 10 3/4” tall, the shade measures 6” tall by 12” wide, and the total height is 17”.

eBay item 390375806712, buy it now (United States). The lamps in the listing have some damage that do not affect the operation of the lamp.

hors d’oeuvre set

2012-02-08T14:10:00.001-05:00

This is a cool, two-tone purple hors d'oeuvre set with a container that is 5 1/2” high and 5 1/2” in diameter at its widest point. There is a ladle and 6 accompanying bowls that are each 2 1/2” in diameter.

eBay item 140695377352 ends February 9, 2012 at 16:27:44 PST (Canada).

4676 Portariviste | Giotto Stoppino | Kartell, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2012-02-07T06:45:00.001-05:00

An update to my post of December 21, 2009, the 4 compartment Portariviste (4676) by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell. Check out this good condition magazine rack in red.

eBay item 280818975736 ends February 9, 2012 at 12:05:43 PST (United Kingdom).

orange and white plastic mushroom table lamps

2012-02-05T13:16:00.001-05:00

This pair of orange and white plastic mushroom style table lamps is in excellent working condition with no chips or cracks to the plastic. Each lamp is in clean condition as well. The lamps measure 9” high and 9” in diameter at the widest point. The bottom part of the lamp is orange and the shade is white. These lamps are complete.

eBay item 150714162702, buy it now or best offer (Canada).

I don’t know anything about these lamps, but if you do, please comment below!

Scagno small table | Giotto Stoppino | Fiarm, Italy | 1969

2012-02-04T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is the Scagno small table (tavolino) by Giotto Stoppino. It is the edition by Fiarm, not Elco. The table is made of ABS and is 52cm wide by 40cm deep by 32.5cm in height. These tables stack nicely.

eBay item 150750183026 ends February 9, 2012 at 04:12:16 PST (Italy).

Scagno table, imprint

Four pictures of the Scagno table.

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Additional pictures of the Scagno table.

Selected Bibliography

Philippe Decelle, Diane Hennebert, Pierre Loze, L’Utopie Du Tout Plastique 1960 - 1973, 1994, p.63.

Catch all (1625) | Eldon Industries, Canada

2012-02-03T06:29:00.001-05:00

Black plastic “Catch all” desk storage tray by Eldon Industries of Canada. The size of the tray is 13.5” wide by 9.25” deep by 1.25” tall.

eBay item 280817097040, buy it now, item ends February 8, 2012 at 15:09:26 PST (Canada).

Nitia table lamp | Rodolfo Bonetto | Design House, Italy | 1972

2012-02-01T14:00:00.001-05:00

For a short biography of Rodolfo Bonetto, click here.

The Nitia table lamp is an adjustable lamp in that the acrylic part can rotate, resulting in the top of the lamp being parallel or at an angle to the table on which the lamp sits. The lamp itself is made of black plastic, acrylic, and sheet metal and has a concave mirrored upper surface. Approximate diameter is 7.5” by 10.5” height.

eBay item number 220941107996 ends February 5, 2012 at 11:44:36 PST (Germany). The lamp in the listing has some damage that does not affect the operation of the lamp.

Three pictures of the Nitia table lamp in a variety of configurations.

Imprint on the Nitia table lamp.

While this example has a black base, it can also be found in chrome and red.

Nitia table lamp, chrome base. Image source.

Nitia table lamp, red base. Image source.

Bibliography

Giuliana Gramignia, Repertorio 1950-1980, Mondadori: 1985, page 377.

Palaset storage cubes | Ristomatti Ratia | Tresmer Oy, Finland | 1972

2012-02-01T06:44:00.001-05:00

The Palaset storage cube system was designed by Ristomatti Ratia, son of Marimekko founder Armi Ratia. Each cube is approximately 13 1/2 inches on a side. For more information on the Palaset storage cube system, check out the Design of the Century blog here.

This auction is for nine of the cubes and there is going to be a lot of interest and bidding. eBay item 190632038248 ends February 1, 2012 at 15:35:11 PST (United States).

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yellow plastic accordion clothes hanger

2012-01-31T06:33:00.001-05:00

Here is a pair of ten peg, yellow plastic accordion clothes hangers. Neat item. Don’t know a thing about them, but if you do, please comment below.

eBay item 190631758414 ends January 31, 2012 at 19:36:47 PST (United States).

Centopiedi bed | Pietro Salmoiraghi and Antonio Locatelli | Kartell, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2012-01-30T07:10:00.001-05:00

Designed by Antonio Locatelli and Pietro Salmoiraghi (Studio PRO) in 1972 for Kartell, Italy, this is the extraordinarily rare Centopiedi bed that was only produced from 1972 through 1977. Designed as a single bed that could be folded in half with the addition of plastic hinges on the in ABS, Centopiedi was available in white or black. It's a fabulous design that features twelve integrated hollow, rounded cylinders (six on each platform) that function as support for the overall platform itself. While this bed does have some condition issues, they don’t interfere with the function of the bed.

For more information about the Centopiedi bed, check out my post from March 6, 2009.

eBay item 270900619982, buy it now, ends February 1, 2012 at 19:10:19 PST (United States).

Portariviste | Rodolfo Bonetto | Unknown maker | 1969 | UPDATE

2012-01-29T08:39:00.001-05:00

Rodolfo Bonetto
Bilumen, Italy, 1969

An update to my post of February 6, 2009, the Portariviste by Rodolfo Bonetto for Bilumen. This one is similar to the white pair I posted on February 1, 2010, in that there is no imprint on the bottom. However, there are two circular in-mold indentations that are not present in the unmarked white pair presented earlier.

Described by the seller as a “1970s magazine holder by Rodolfo Bonetto in brown ABS plastic. Unmarked. Good original vintage condition ready to use. Will make a great addition to a mid century modern, space age decor.”

A brown, unmarked Rodolfo Bonetto magazine rack. Image source: eBay, user modern_cactus. Buy it now price is $125 with $9 for shipping.

Cosack table lamp

2012-01-28T22:24:00.001-05:00

The lampshade of this Cosack table lamp is made of toffee colored plastic with a white inner glazing to maximize light reflection. There is a large circular metallic plate placed on top of the lampshade finished in gold. There are two bulb casings. The lampshade sits on top of a large metallic cylinder, finished in the same gold color, and forming the stem of the lamp. The lampshade is held in place by a decorative screw in the same finish. The heavy base is made of cast iron with a metallic cover with a gold finish. The original black plastic switch is placed on the cord.

The height of the lamp is 24” (61cm), the diameter of the lampshade is 15.8” (40cm), the diameter of base is 9.6” (24.5cm) and the length of the cord is 34” (86cm).

Some damage is present on the lamp, but it has a beautiful form and coloring reminiscent of Guzzini.

eBay item 280809471098 closes January 29, 2012 at 12:50:23 PST (Great Britain).

white mushroom style modern plastic table lamp

2012-01-27T18:07:00.001-05:00

Here’s a great mushroom style table lamp in white.

eBay item 180799206972 closes February 5, 2012 at 01:04:30 PST (Australia).

I don’t know anything about this lamp, but if you do, please comment below!

January 23–26, 2012: Shared vintage modern plastic design

2012-01-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

I can’t quite manage the Facebook thing, so instead I’m going to post the same way, only on the blog here. I might get back to it some time but really can’t right now. I’m still going to label these posts with “shared” and I’ll try to post them while the auction is still live so if you dig it too, you might just place a bid to win!

Here are the items that were shared the week of January 23, 2012: Kartell Giotto Stoppino “4676” Portariviste (Magazine Rack) 1972, Richard Hutten Droog Design “Low Res elephant” stool/lamp, orange and yellow Blessing tulip clock, and the Harvey Guzzini “Bud Grande” pendant lamp.

Monday, January 23, 2012: Kartell Giotto Stoppino “4676” Portariviste (Magazine Rack) 1972

Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Richard Hutten Droog Design “Low Res elephant” stool/lamp

Wednesday, January 25, 2012: orange and yellow Blessing tulip clock

Thursday, January 26, 2012: Harvey Guzzini “Bud Grande” pendant lamp

In Attesa wastebasket | Enzo Mari | Danese, Italy | 1970 | UPDATE

2012-01-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

Enzo Mari
Danese, Italy, 1970

An update to my post of September 11, 2009, the In Attesa wastebasket by Enzo Mari for Danese. This yellow example sold at best offer for $50 with $18.95 for shipping, and before I could post it to FB! And to think I was going to do an all yellow week.

This In Attesa was sold from Elmhurst, Illinois. Described by the seller as being in very nice condition with minor nicks and scrapes.

Tortiglione vase | Enzo Mari | Danese, Italy | 1969 | UPDATE

2012-01-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

An update to my post of October 21, 2009, the Tortiglione (3083 B) vase by Enzo Mari for Danese. This is the first time I’ve seen one of these for sale on eBay. It is the larger size vase in yellow ochre. The vase is 36cm in height and 25cm in diameter at the widest point.

Tortiglione vase, shown next to a pack of cigarettes to get an idea of scale.

Metal disc signature on bottom of Tortiglione vase.

eBay final bid screenshot for Enzo Mari Tortiglione vase.

The sale concluded with another impressive auction result for one of Mari’s works. There have been quite a few lately. There were 10 bidders who placed 19 bids for this Tortiglione vase. The vase sold for €1065.00 (approximately $1375.98) on 1/22/2012 from France.

January 16–22, 2012: Shared vintage modern plastic design

2012-01-22T10:43:00.001-05:00

Like Object Plastic on Facebook to get a daily dose of modern and vintage plastic design! Here are the items that were shared the week of January 16, 2012: Diehl acrylic and chrome wall clock, red and white Harvey Guzzini table lamp, Tranbon model TE-2005 telephone, Ingrid “Snax” mugs and trays, Scandia by Beacon lazy Susan, Smith Metal Arts “Radius One” stacking ashtrays by William Sklaroff, and an acrylic infinity lamp style coffee table.

Monday, January 16, 2012: Diehl acrylic and chrome wall clock

Tuesday, January 17, 2012: red and white Harvey Guzzini table lamp

Wednesday, January 18, 2012: Tranbon model TE-2005 telephone

Thursday, January 19, 2012: Ingrid “Snax” mugs and trays

Friday, January 20, 2012: Scandia by Beacon lazy Susan

Saturday, January 21, 2012: Buffalo, New York Smith Metal Arts “Radius One” stacking ashtrays by William Sklaroff

Sunday, January 22, 2012: acrylic infinity lamp style coffee table

Variazioni Tematiche sculpture | Enzo, Mari | Danese, Italy | 1959

2012-01-18T16:12:00.001-05:00

Variazioni Tematiche sculpture
Enzo Mari
Danese, Italy, 1959

I am a big fan of the work of Enzo Mari. Sometimes, his pieces are simple and elegant. Sometimes they refer back to earlier periods of design but with a new-found freshness. Sometimes, they are ahead of their time. Ahead of its time is the case with Mari’s Variazioni Tematiche, which translates to “Variations on a theme.”

In this case, the theme is a series of spheres, ribboned in green and embedded in acrylic. The sculpture is from a series of work undertaken by Enzo Mari that investigated spherical forms encased in transparent cubes. Previously, I posted about the Relazione di Quattro sculpture. The Variazioni Tematiche is 8cm tall by 8cm wide and 4cm deep.

The Variazioni Tematiche sculpture above sold on eBay on 1/9/2012, attracted four bidders and four bids, and sold for €657 (approximately $832). Condition was described as “perfect considering the age: no chips, no cracks, even edges and corners are undamaged.” It certainly is a remarkable and rare art edition for collectors.

Above top: The Variazioni Tematiche is signed with the Danese logo on one side. Bottom: Close up view of the signature.

eBay final bid screenshot for the Variazioni Tematiche sculpture.

Special thanks to V.S. for providing me these pictures to share.

January 9–15, 2012: Shared vintage modern plastic design

2012-01-15T08:17:00.001-05:00

Like Object Plastic on Facebook to get a daily dose of modern and vintage plastic design! Here are the items that were shared the week of January 9, 2012: Soundesign humidifier, wine rack, Thilo Oerke Rosita “Vision 2000” hifi equipment, Nicholas Angelakos ice bucket, Alessi Enzo Mari “Titanic” juicer, Paper Mate “Desk Mate” calendar and the C&B Italia Mario Bellini “Amanta” table.

Monday, January 9, 2012: Soundesign humidifier

Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Wine rack

Wednesday, January 11, 2012: Thilo Oerke Rosita “Vision 2000” hifi equipment

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Thursday, January 12, 2012: ice bucket stamped on the bottom “Colony, a Lancaster Colony Company Design Nicholas Angelakos Pat. No. 218,697” (1970)

Friday, January 13, 2012: Alessi Enzo Mari “Titanic” juicer (2000)

Saturday, January 14, 2012: Paper Mate “Desk Mate” calendar

Sunday, January 15, 2012: C&B Italia Mario Bellini “Amanta” table

Pago Pago vase (3087 vase) | Enzo Mari | Danese, Italy | 1969 | UPDATE

2012-01-11T19:12:00.001-05:00

An update to my post of January 24, 2009, the Pago Pago vase by Enzo Mari for Danese. It’s been another drought of these being on eBay.

Earlier, this orange Pago Pago was sold on eBay, described as being in “at least very good to excellent condition. There are absolutely no cracks, chips or flakes whatsoever.” There were 5 bidders who placed 8 bids for this item, which ended 12/11/2011 and sold from Florida. The winning bid was $224.72. The Pago Pago in orange is an uncommon item.

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Most recently, this violet Pago Pago was sold on eBay, described as being in “very good condition.” There were 11 bidders who placed 19 bids for this item, which ended 1/11/2012 and sold from Calais, France. The winning bid was €351.00 (approximately $448.51).

January 2–8, 2012: Shared vintage modern plastic design

2012-01-09T21:04:00.001-05:00

Like Object Plastic on Facebook to get a daily dose of modern and vintage plastic design! Here are the items that were shared the week of January 2, 2012: Danese Enzo Mari Pago Pago vase, Harvey Guzzini Sirio table lamp, unknown table lamp, Kartell Anna Castelli Ferrieri Stooble stool/table, Coral table clock, iGuzzini Doma Emanuela Zanni “Sam” hanger, and the Magnavox portable transistor radio, model 2R1014.

Monday, January 2, 2012: Danese Enzo Mari “Pago Pago” vase

Tuesday, January 3, 2012: Harvey Guzzini “Sirio” table lamp

Wednesday, January 4, 2012: unknown, but a great table lamp

Thursday, January 5, 2012: Kartell Anna Castelli Ferrieri “Stooble” stool/table

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Friday, January 6, 2012: Coral table clock

Saturday, January 7, 2012: iGuzzini Doma Emanuela Zanni “Sam” hanger

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Sunday, January 8, 2012: Magnavox portable transistor radio, model 2R1014

Maarten Van Severen | LCP chair | Kartell, Italy | 2000

2012-01-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

Maarten Van Severen
Kartell, Italy, 2000

Maarten Van Severen is an architect and furniture designer born June 5, 1956 in Antwerp, Belgium. He studied architecture at the Sint-Lucas Art Academy in Ghent, Belgium. He designed his first furniture pieces in 1986. His approach was to reduce and refine his idea until only the most essential elements remained. Van Severen held teaching positions at University College West Flanders in Kortrijk (1996), the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht (1996-97), Delft University of Technology (1998) and universities in Helsinki and Barcelona. Maarten van Severen died February 21, 2005 in Ghent, Belgium. Maarten Van Severen is on Facebook here.

A story about Design Museum Gent and the archives associated with the Maarten Van Severen Foundation. From YouTube.

In 2008, the Maarten Van Severen Foundation was founded by family and friends, in order to keep his work alive, as a source of inspiration for new generations of designers.

Some moments with Maarten Van Severen. From YouTube.

The LCP, or “Low Chair Plastic,” is made from a single sheet of PMMA (acrylic) that folds back upon itself. The LCP is a translation from the Low Chair, designed by Maarten Van Severen between 1993 and 1995 and made of a sheet of folded aluminum joined under the seat by rubber spacers.

Design sketch for “Stoel LC95A” Image source. Database Number 156, ca. 1995.

Low Chair. Image source.

Viewed edge on, the chair virtually disappears. This effect is magnified with the transparency of the LCP. Initially, Van Severen made his own furniture, but later in the 1990s he licensed production to the Belgian firm of Top Mouton who made about 40 of these chairs each year. At the April, 2001 Milan Furniture Fair, Kartell previewed a prototype version in clear acrylic, ensuring a wider audience for the design. The Low Chair is featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York here and the LCP here.

Neon yellow LCP chair viewed edge on. Image source: Kartell.

LCP chairs. Image source.

The LCP is given code 6040 by Kartell. The chair is 19 1/8” wide by 25 1/4” high by 38 1/8” deep and has a seat height of 12”. It weighs in at about 40 pounds (18.8 kg). The LCP is still in production and comes in four transparent “colors”: crystal (transparent), clear azure (transparent sky blue), neon yellow, and neon orange. Expect to pay around $2,175 for the privilege of owning a LCP chair unless you manage to find it on the secondary market.

I briefly considered buying this chair several years ago but ultimately decided against it. Granted, the chair has a look that will grab a lot of attention. Sitting in it is a treat, once you get into it. It is a low lounger and I’m tall, so ease of use was an issue for me. The acrylic also tends to scratch easily and the floor model showed considerable wear. Don’t wear shorts when you’re doing your sitting as your legs will stick uncomfortably to the plastic. If you have the right spot for it though, it is an incredibly impactful piece, especially in neon yellow.

References

Low chair. Retrieved from http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O62433/chair-low-chair/?print=1

Maarten Van Severen. Retrieved from http://www.vitra.com/en-no/home/designers/maarten-van-severen/

The Maarten Van Severen Foundation (2010). Voorlopige lijst projectdossiers Maarten Van Severen. (p. 30). Retrieved from http://www.maartenvanseveren.be/docs/projectdossiers.pdf

The top 10 posts of 2011

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! If you haven’t stopped by my blog before, welcome. If you have, thank you for coming back. Three years of researching and writing have definitely improved my knowledge of vintage plastic design. I’ve also learned a lot about blogging, HTML, and web design in the process.

New for 2012: I have started a Facebook page for Object Plastic. So go ahead and click “like” up there and be a part of the conversation. I’ll be depressed if by February the counter is still at zero. Also, if there is a piece of plastic design that you feel should be included here, consider writing a guest post.

Life seems full of countdowns this time of year, so I thought I would add my own. Here are the top 10 Object Plastic posts from 2011 based on pageviews.

10	La Bomba picnic set by Villeroy & Boch. Makes me want to head off to a meadow somewhere and picnic in style. Posted December, 2009.
9	Pago Pago vase by Enzo Mari. I’m working on a collection of all the colors. Posted January, 2009.
8	Ero\|s\| chair by Philippe Starck. Reminds me of a martini glass where you get to be the olive. Posted January, 2011.
7	Sorella table lamp by Harvey Guzzini and now Nemo Cassina. Go find yourself an original. Posted January, 2011.
6	Poseidon mirror by Finesse Originals. Love it or hate it, these maximalist mirrors will stir a reaction from whomever gazes into them. Posted May, 2010.
5	Italy: The new domestic landscape (part 2). This link takes you to the list of objects in the exhibition. Posted March, 2009.
4	Plano table by Giancarlo Piretti. Could you find a more rationally designed table that can be tucked away when not in use? Posted February, 2010.
3	Pet Shop Boys “Very” compact disc case. Don’t come here looking to pirate the CD. This is all about the case it comes in! Posted April, 2009.
2	Rougier tube lamp by Rougier. This is one fine looking lamp. Posted February, 2009.
1	Hot Bertaa kettle by Philippe Starck. Let this impractically gorgeous kettle wow your guests. Posted March, 2009.

Spritta apple slicer | Carl Öjerstam | IKEA, Sweden | 2011

2011-12-31T08:53:00.001-05:00

The last time I posted about Carl Öjerstam was for another IKEA item, the Soda cocktail shaker that he designed with Chris Martin and Magnus Elebäck. I like going to Ikea not just to see how furniture can best be flat packed, but to check out what always turns out to be a few new, cool pieces of plastic design. The Spritta apple slicer was what I found on my last visit. It is part of a set that includes a citrus squeezer and a fruit garnishing set. Carl Öjerstam has created more than 200 products for IKEA.

The Spritta series, from Ikea.

Carl Öjerstam was born in 1971. In 1997, he graduated from Konstfack School of Art & Design in Stockholm, Sweden in Industrial Design. Three of his products have received the international Red Dot design award: the Flamma wall spotlight and the Storvik rattan chaise lounge, both produced by IKEA, and the Omni easy chair, produced by Materia.

	Flamma wall spotlight, IKEA (2001). Image source.
	Storvik rattan chaise lounge, IKEA (2002). Image source.
	Omni easy chair, Materia (2007). Image source.

Carl Design AB was founded by by Carl Öjerstam in Stockholm in 1995. Carl is an industrial design company with a core business in product design for mass production. The company also works with projects in transportation, graphic design, packaging, retail, and exhibition solutions. Carl’s clients have included IKEA, Tupperware, Vodafone, Kinnarps Group, Selecta, Materia, Svenskt Tenn, and BRIO, amongst others. He creates and engages in a wide variety of design challenges, from kitchen products, furniture and lighting to packages and home electronics.

Above, the Spritta apple slicer. Image source: IKEA.

The Spritta apple slicer is made of ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic and stainless steel. It is 4” in diameter and 2” in height and feels robust in hand. It is not a flimsy, lightweight apple – or as IKEA also suggests, onion – slicer. It is given Ikea Article Number 901.529.99 and it is only available for purchase at the store, it is not available online.

The Spritta apple slicer in its natural habitat.

References

Carl Öjerstam, Retrieved from http://www.materia.se/eng/designers_2/jacob_zeilon_2_1_1

Simonsen, J. (2011, October 28). Black is beautiful. Retrieved from http://www.theshare-space.com/BlogPostDetail/?entryId=50

Dish Doctor dishrack | Marc Newson | Magis, Italy | 1998 | UPDATE

2011-12-28T08:59:00.001-05:00

Marc Newson
Magis, Italy, 1998

Here is an update to my post of October 14, 2009, the Dish Doctor dishrack by Marc Newson for Magis. This is an example in clear with the imprint. All images from eBay.

Top views of the Dish Doctor dishrack by Marc Newson.

The two parts of the Dish Doctor dishrack.

Dish Doctor, underside.

Marc Newson, Magis, Made in Italy imprint on bottom of Dish Doctor.

This Dish Doctor dishrack generated 5 bidders and 6 bids and sold on 12/19/2011 from Melbourne, Australia for A$94.51 ($95.25).

Lumitime clock model CC-71 | Various designers | Tamura Electric Corp., Japan | ca. 1970 | UPDATE

2011-12-19T10:14:00.001-05:00

Various designers
Tamura Electric Corp., Japan, ca. 1970

An update to my post of March 23, 2009, specifically the CC-71 Lumitime clock. For other posts I’ve made about Lumitime clocks, click here. I haven’t come across the CC-71 model before and like its space age style.

The tapered face and body of this Lumitime give it a very “mod pod” look. Its smooth curves evoke Eero Saarinen’s designs and it would look terrific on a Saarinen table. It makes me wish I hadn’t missed the auction! The CC-71 clock measures 7 3/4 by 4 by 2 inches.

Saarinen side table. Image source.

Lumitime CC-71 clock with box. All images of the CC-71 are from eBay.

Lumitime CC-71 clock with box contents.

Underside (left) and top view (right) of CC-71 clock.

Label on bottom of Lumitime CC-71 clock. “Tamura Electric Corp. (U.S.A.) - Model No. CC-71 - NO K 6 A - 120 Volts 60 Hz 5 Watts - Made in Japan - UL Listed Clock 186J”

Described by the seller as “Overall condition very good, looks new, clean, original box and papers, box shows wear”. This clock sold on 12/2/2011 from Tucson, Arizona. There were 7 bidders and 9 bids with a final price of $85.04. Shipping added $11.15.

Deda vase | Giotto Stoppino | Heller, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2011-12-16T05:54:00.001-05:00

An update to my post of January 20, 2009, the Deda vase by Giotto Stoppino for Heller. Three, good condition Deda vases were sold from Westbury, New York on 12/7/11. An aggregate screenshot of the results is presented below. Shipping added $12.00 to the winning bid.

Color	Bidders	Bids	Sale Price
Black	3	12	$120.50
Yellow	5	14	$235.83
Green	5	7	$96.61

Selene stacking chair | Vico Magistretti | Artemide, Italy | 1968 | UPDATE

2011-12-14T15:25:00.001-05:00

Vico Magistretti
Artemide, Italy, 1968

An update to my post of December 2, 2011, the Selene stacking chair by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. This is the chair in gray. Note that 10 of these chars are available at $195 each (+$25 shipping) with the possibility of a quantity discount. All images from seller CathodeBlue (Virginia Beach, VA, East Coast, United States) at Etsy.com. Here is a direct link to the listing. Condition is described as “beautiful vintage condition on all of these chairs, but typical light scuffing on legs is to be expected.” And additionally:

Design icon. Period.

Gorgeous vintage Selene chairs by Italian designer Vico Magistretti. Designed in 1969 for Artemide, the Selene chair was the first monobloc chair made from just a single piece of 3 mm thick fiberglass-reinforced polyester. A stunning and historically significant design that paved the way in high-end molded plastic furniture manufacturing.

Measurements:
18.5” w | 19.5” d | 29.5” h | 18.5” seat height

Gray

The Selene stacking chair in gray, stacked four high.

Selene stacking chair in gray.

Gray Selene chair paired with maroon (maroon sold).

Imprint on gray Selene stacking chair.

Yellow

Selene stacking chair in yellow. Image source: eBay.

Imprint on yellow Selene stacking chair. Image source: eBay.

4675 Portariviste | Giotto Stoppino | Kartell, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2011-12-13T18:46:00.000-05:00

Giotto Stoppino
Kartell, Italy, 1972

An update to my post of April 21, 2010, the 4675 Portariviste by Giotto Stoppino. Shown here is a nice example in yellow, with the imprint. This item sold for R650 (approximately $80) on June 28, 2011 from Cape Town, South Africa. Image source: bidorbuy.co.za.

Gaudi armchair | Vico Magistretti | Artemide, Italy | 1970

2011-12-11T11:01:00.001-05:00

Vico Magistretti
Artemide, Italy, 1970

For a short biography of and more information about Vico Magistretti, check out my previous post about the Selene stacking chair. The Gaudi armchair evolved out of the design of the earlier Selene chair. Because the arms are integrated into the single-piece construction, perforations were required at the inner corners of the seat. The chair was manufactured by Artemide from compression moulded “Reglar” fiberglass reinforced polyester.

The Gaudi armchair is included in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York here and is reported as being is 29 1/8” by 21 5/8” by 23 5/8” (74 by 55 by 60 cm). The Gaudi chair was also shown at the 1972 exhibition “Italy: the New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The other objects by Magistretti in the show are illustrated in my post about the Selene stacking chair.

The first page of the United States “Armchair” design patent, number 226,363. The rest of the patent can be found here.

Sketch for the Gaudi armchair. Original image source: Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design (1991).

Sketches for the Gaudi armchair. Original image source: Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design (1991). The caption in that work read: This armchair is a development of the Selene solution, and is made of reinforced molded resin. The arms are an integral part of the shell, whose inner corners have been perforated to allow construction in one single mold. Produced by Artemide.

Bloomingdale’s advertisement for “Artemide at Bloomingdale’s” in the May 6, 1974 issue of New York Magazine (p. 2). Copy reads:

Artemide. Creating an environment for today’s living. Furniture designs in art form. Like contemporary sculpture. Enduring. Functional. Selected by the Board of Directors for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Beautiful in its simplicity. Reflecting today in surfaces as smooth and shiny as highly polished marble. Moulded in polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass to resist heat and scratching. To withstand the sun and rain when used outdoors. Artemide. Gleaming in white or chocolate brown. Shown are the “Stadio” dining table, “Bacco” rolling bar, “Ara” cocktail table and the “Gaudi” arm chair. The collection is priced from 48.00 to 425.00. See the total Artemide concept in one of our Designer Rooms, created by Richard Knapple for Artemide, Spring 1974, on the 5th Floor, New York. Also shown in Bergen County, Garden City, Jenkintown and Manhasset. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. 223-7111. Open late Monday and Thursday; branches open late too.

White

Image source: eBay

Red

Image source: vintageplus.nl, here.

Green

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Image source: 20cdesign at 1stdibs.com.

Brown

Image source: eBay

Imprints

Image source: eBay

Image source: eBay.

Image source: 20cdesign at 1stdibs.com.

Image source: eBay.

Heller rereleased the Gaudi armchair as their “New Gaudi” model 1050 in 2007 in white and black. The chair is constructed of single piece injection molded nylon (for the colored chairs) or polycarbonate (for the transparent chair). The dimensions of the chair are 75cm (29 1/2”) height, 59cm (23 1/4”) width, and 57.5cm (22 5/8”) depth.

Technical data sheet for the Heller reissue of the Gaudi armchair, the New Gaudi chair model 1050.

See the Vico Magistretti Foundation website for a wealth of information about the designer.

As always, check out Sorellarium 13 for all the best in plastic design from Space: 1999. This link takes you to the page about the Gaudi armchair.

Selected Bibliography

Ambasz, E., ed., Italy: The new domestic landscape: Achievements and problems of Italian design. New York, 1972, p.39.

References

Pasca, V., Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design, Thames & Hudson: London (1991), p. 74.

Gaudi datasheet. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from http://www.helleronline.com/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=108

Gaudi armchair. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=3505

Selene stacking chair | Vico Magistretti | Artemide, Italy | 1968

2011-12-02T18:18:00.001-05:00

Vico Magistretti
Artemide, Italy, 1968

Ludovico Magistretti was born in Milan on October 6, 1920 and graduated from the Milan Polytechnic in 1945. The war intervened and as Italy rebuilt, Magistretti developed a reputation as an avant-garde architect. In the 60s, Magistretti’s fascination with the possibilities of industrial production led to his groundbreaking work in plastic. He had the uncanny ability to impart beauty and dignity to this modern material. He served on several Compasso d’Oro juries and won the award three times. Vico Magistretti died September 19, 2006.

See the Vico Magistretti Foundation website for a wealth of information about the designer.

Eclisse table lamp. Image source: Voltex.	Maralunga 675 two seater sofa. Image source: 1stdibs.com.
Atollo 233/D table lamp. Image source: Retrotogo.	Magistretti won the Compasso d’Oro in 1967 for the Eclisse table lamp, in 1979 for the Maralunga 675 sofa, and in 1979 for the Atollo 233/D table lamp.

In the Selene stacking chair and the Vicario and Gaudi armchairs, all produced by Artemide, Magistretti took advantage of the strength and fluidity of reinforced polyester to produce chairs which were sculptural, comfortable and – thanks to industrial production methods – affordable. While complex in structure, the Selene chair could still be fabricated by a single injection molding of fiberglass reinforced polyester.

“You finally create a chair that distinguishes itself from everything that has been realized up to that point in time by not adhering to the rules but by listening to the possibilities that the new material whispers to you. In the mould, the material acts like honey. You must comprehend the expressive potential of this fact; modern technology won’t give you anything if you cut yourself off from it.” – Vico Magistretti in Designer Italiani.

Magistretti developed the innovative S-shaped leg to gracefully retain stiffness and not buckle under the weight of the user. The design was actually first tried with folded paper. It was developed prior to the Selene chair for a forerunner of the Stadio table (1966), a sketch of which is shown at left, that was never put into production.

Original image source: Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design (1991).

At right, a sketch for the Selene chair.

Original image source: Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design (1991).

“The key to the Selene chair was the section of the leg. I think I dealt with the problem by using a particular technology in the most proper way possible, but without allowing myself to be conditioned by it, or even inspired by the idea of modernity for its own sake.” – Vico Magistretti

The Selene chair is included in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York here, the Vitra Museum, and other leading museums around the world. The Selene chair was also shown at the 1972 exhibition “Italy: the New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Other Magistretti objects in the show were the related Gaudi and Vicario armchairs (Artemide), the Stadio 80 table (Artemide), the Eclisse table lamp with adjustable shade (Artemide), the Giunone metal floor lamp with four rotating shades (Artemide), and the wooden Golem chair (Poggi).

Gaudi armchair. Image source: Live auctioneers.	Vicario armchair. Image source: Modernity.
Stadio 80 table. Image source: 1stdibs.com.	Eclisse table lamp. Image source: Voltex.
Giunone floor lamp. Image source: Wannenes.	Golem chair. Image source: Architonic.

The range of dates given for the design of the Selene chair is broad, all the way from 1961 (MoMA cites this date) to 1969 (claimed by Magistretti himself in an interview). Aspects of the design certainly were worked on throughout the 60s leading to the Selene chair being shown at the 14th Triennale in Milan in 1968.

From a “Things Seen” article in Design Magazine published in January, 1969 (p.70). Groovy GRP Lightness and stackability are two prime requirements of inexpensive all-purpose upright chairs. Vico Magistretti, who designed this glass-reinforced polyester stacking chair for Studio Artemide, Milan has added elegance. Particularly successful are the slender grooved legs, S-shaped in section, which present a front and rear elevation of distinction. The Selene chair measures 47 cm x 78 cm x 50 cm and comes in white, black, orange or red GRP. Magistretti has also designed the Studio, a matching table in the same range of colours.

Click the Design Online logo above to be taken to the searchable archives of Design Magazine.

White

Image source: Deconet.com

Image source: Etsy.com. The set of four chairs was $799 plus $150 for Greyhound shipping. Notice the distinctive S-shape of the chair leg in the top image.

Green

Image source: Victoria and Albert Museum.

A set of six Vico Magistretti “Selene” plastic chairs, Artemide. Marked “Artemide U.K. LTD. Selene Chaire. Designer Vico Magistretti Made in England”. Estimated at SEK 4 000 – 6 000 (€ 450 – 700). Hammer price SEK 3 000 / € 350. Described as having minor wear. Sold in Bukowskis August 31, 2010 auction as lot 693. Image source: Bukowskis.

Brown

Image source: eBay.

Artemide France advertisement for the Selene chair. Indicates it is made of Reglar, comes in black, chocolate brown, and green. The Selene is 47cm in length, 50cm in width, and 75cm in height. Image source: City Furniture.

Heller rereleased the Selene chair as their model 1006 in 2002 in white, black, red, and transparent. The chair is constructed of single piece injection molded nylon (for the colored chairs) or polycarbonate (for the transparent chair). The dimensions of the chair are 77cm (29 1/2”) height, 47cm (18 1/2”) width, and 5ocm (19 11/16”) depth with a seat height of 47cm (18 1/2”).

Selene chair schematic. Image source: Eye on Design. Check out the site below. Lots of great information (in Italian).

Technical data sheet for the Heller reissue of the Selene chair, model 1006.

The original intention of the Vitra Design Museum to give visitors access to design not only by means of publications, but also in the form of three-dimensional objects, resulted in the creation of a unique museum product: models of the most important pieces of furniture in design history on a reduced scale. The Miniatures of the Vitra Design Museum are exemplary teaching objects with regard to quality and craftsmanship, and also iconic manifestations of the Museum Collection.

They not only fulfill the financial purpose of contributing to the Museum's budget, but also serve as ideal demonstration pieces within the context of academic studies or skilled trades. Among design connoisseurs, the Miniatures of the Vitra Design Museum have become coveted collector's items. At present, the Miniatures Collection encompasses almost 100 different models, which are sold in exclusive design shops all over the world.

Selene chair Vitra miniature, with box and booklet. Image source: eBay.

Additional information about the Selene stacking chair, including original sketches from the Vico Magistretti foundation, the 1967 patent, a prototype model, and the Heller version, as taken out of the mold before refinement can be found at the Vico Magistretti studio museum and this article at designboom. The studio museum is located in 20, via Conservatorio in the city center Milan and is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm.

As always, check out Sorellarium 13 for all the best in plastic design from Space: 1999. This link takes you to the page about the Selene stacking chair.

Selected Bibliography

Domus, No. 466 (September, 1968), p.38.

Ambasz, E., ed., Italy: The new domestic landscape: Achievements and problems of Italian design. New York, 1972, p.41.

S. Giacomoni & A. Marcolli, Designer Italiani, Milan, 1988.

Philippe Decelle, Diane Hennebert, Pierre Loze, L'Utopie Du Tout Plastique 1960 - 1973, 1994, p.50.

C. Fiell & P. Fiell, 1000 Chairs, Cologne, 2000, p.444

O. Máčel, S. Woertman, and C. van Wijk, Chairs: Catalog of the Delft faculty of architecture collection. Rotterdam, 2008, pp.108-109.

References

Pasca, V., Vico Magistretti, Elegance and innovation in Italian design, Thames & Hudson: London (1991), p. 38.

Vico Magistretti. Retrieved December 2, 2011 from http://www.vico-magistretti.com/

Selene datasheet. Retrieved December 2, 2011 from http://www.helleronline.com/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=52

Selene stacking chairs. Retrieved December 2, 2011 from http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=3508

2D Tree acrylic Christmas tree | 2009

2011-11-30T19:26:00.001-05:00

As a condo dweller, I don’t really have the space to put up a big Christmas tree or to store it when the holiday season is over. So I decided to put the joy I find in plastics, especially acrylics, into making a tree. If you can’t find what you want, you’ve got to make it yourself.

I set out to put together a modern, minimal “tree” that would solidly stand upright and flat against a wall. It could then be easily stowed at the back of my closet for the 11 months of the year it needs to be out of sight.

I started by planning out the tree on paper with a couple of sketches.

Then I integrated my sketches into a more detailed, scaled drawing. I standardized the dimensions of many of the limbs for ease of construction. I chose acrylic bar stock in a commodity size: 6 foot long sections, 1 inch wide, and 1/4 inch thick. This kept the cost down. Acrylic bar is also easy to score and snap so cutting to size was easy. The one tree I made took 7 of these bars, 42 linear feet of acrylic.

I had previously tweaked the design to minimize waste. A few small pieces were all that remained and received plenty of attention once I started to practice drilling holes. Next, I made an adjustable scale model out of cut paper.

With the paper model beside me, I cut the bar stock to size and assembled the tree, marking the drill sites with a Sharpie. To keep the tree transparent, I chose polycarbonate screws. I drilled the holes, installed the 24 screws, and after a couple of afternoons had the tree ready. Once set up, shadows and reflections play across the wall, giving the tree the impression of some depth. The tree could absolutely be wrapped in light or draped in garland, but I also like it the way it is.

My finished acrylic tree!

Kartell Flagship Stores | Kartell, Italy | 2009

2011-11-27T12:03:00.001-05:00

From 2009, here is a catalog showing the Kartell Flagship Stores. Click here or the cover below to read the catalog.

Exhibition spaces intended not only to display the eclectic range of Kartell products to the consumer public but also to convey the values of its trademark - design, innovation, its many facets, glamour, liveliness. The single brand Kartell sales points are recognisable spaces in the various urban fabrics where the underlying theme becomes the product itself in its identity.

The Kartell flagship Stores present a simple concept, one easy to reproduce but which at the same time has a sure visual Impact. They are, in fact, neutral containers with flowing and luminous internal pathways and large external show windows. They are spaces calculated to exalt the aesthetic nature of each product. the quality of the materials, the purity of the lines, the chromatic variety, the fascinating silhouettes, the plays of form, the surfaces where the objects displayed on large illuminated platforms become the true and sole protagonists of the space.

With more than 120 openings of single brand stores throughout the world, from international capitals to provincial cities, Kartell offers its clients a network of spaces within the different urban fabrics where the underlying theme becomes the product in its identity.

In 2009 the distribution network shows no sign of slowing down: an Important series of new openings is, in fact, planned for the year, and not only in Europe and North America but in the rapidly growing markets as well such as China, the Middle East and Central and South America. The very nature of the cities chosen for new openings with their cosmopolitan and dynamic life styles harmonises well with the multicultural vocation of the Kartell product no matter how deeply rooted it may be in Made in Italy.

Kartell catalog | Kartell, Italy | 2009

2011-11-26T08:45:00.001-05:00

In keeping with the theme of the past few posts, here is the 2009 Kartell catalog, their 60th anniversary year. Click here or the cover below to read the catalog.

This year Kartell turns 60…

60 Years of design and technological innovation that we have put to work to make your life easier, more beautiful and more colourful.

60 years of inventiveness and creativity for which we enlisted the collaboration of the greatest international designers.

60 years of research on quality and functionality as we tried to understand the sensitivity and the diversity of each one of you so that our projects would always be useful and not just a mere exercise in form.

60 years during which you have watched us grow and we grew along with you, as we accompanied you through this marvellous life voyage, because we want you to be able to say every time your glance falls upon any of our objects: “What a wonderful world!”

Alessi Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter new collections | Alessi, Italy | 2011

2011-11-24T12:57:00.001-05:00

Twice a year, Alessi presents their new collections. Here are their offerings for Spring/Summer 2011 (left) and and Fall/Winter 2011 (right). Click S/S11 or F/W11 or the images below to read the new collections catalogs for 2011.

Alessi catalog | Alessi, Italy | 2009

2011-11-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

The mission of Alessi:

I think that this will be the goal of design in the future (or at least, my goal for my future in the sphere of design): transforming the gadget function ascribed to objects by the consumer's society into a transitional opportunity, namely into an opportunity for consumers to improve their perception of the world.

This kind of activity is typically paradoxical in the original meaning alongside the rule, the norm, the standard, as a means of grasping the so-called reality of the world and of life to its full extent.

In the future most of our products will continue to be marked by a high degree of innovation and experimentation, as we believe this is the way to develop our ability to set trends, to promote our fame and to create a culture medium aimed at developing those projects we like to call Super & popular.

–Alberto Alessi

Click here or the cover below to read the catalog.

Since time immemorial our family has been firmly established on Lake Orta. We originally come from Luzzogno, the oldest village in the Strona valley. The first Alessi we’ve traced was called Giovanni; in 1633 he married a certain Caterina Gozano in Luzzogno. That’s all we know about him, and we don’t know a great deal more about the eight generations separating him from us.

We nonetheless have no doubt that our forebears were among the many men from the Strona valley who, in the seventeen hundreds, went as far as Germany to learn the trade of pewter-makers. Some of their number stayed on to make their fortune; others returned home and opened the first craft workshops. Such were the beginnings of the making of metal household objects in Omegna (and its suburb Crusinallo), today one of the most dynamic centres in Europe for the production of such items.

The first metal household article manufacturer in the Cusio area was a man called Baldassarre Cane, who towards the mid-eighteen hundreds had the courage to leave Chesio (another small village in the Strona valley) for the lakeside and establish the first true workshop. Although the company no longer exists, by around 1900 it was a large employer. In the following years his example was followed by many dozens of craftsmen and small businessmen, who often learned their trade as workmen at Cane’s factory. During the course of one and a half centuries, pewter gave way to silver, aluminium and then stainless steel, which is still running its course. Yet during this period, the objects themselves have not changed, and our town remains dominated by this specialised industry. Along the shores of Lake San Giulio, amongst the Romanesque churches and the Baroque chapels, the household goods factories have become a true landmark, leaving their strong social and cultural imprint on the whole area. One of those early craftsmen/small businessmen was our grandfather, Giovanni Alessi.

That’s the way it was, our business venture was highly innovative right from the very start, always ready to experiment, to take a more poetical view of the world, though it was very much based on traditional production methods. In the space of a few decades, the Alessi company developed from a “Workshop with foundry specialising in working brass and nickel silver sheets” (according to the sign at our stand in the first trade fairs held in Milan in the 1920’s) into one of the “Factories of Italian design”.

Metal, and stainless steel in particular, still remains our mainstay,
but in recent years many new materials have begun to be introduced, offering our designers new expressive possibilities, and offering our customers some surprising new items and some wonderful little discoveries. The year 2006 will see the reclassification of all our products in three trademarks, “ALESSI”, “OFFICINA ALESSI” and “A di ALESSI”. These trademarks will not possess independent identities, but rather will reflect three different expressions of the same corporate identity and of the Engine of Design that is Alessi, i.e. an industry capable of offering the finest contemporary designs split by different price brackets and purchasing habits, without reaching any compromise, and of focussing, at least in part, on different sales targets.

The “ALESSI” trademark will continue to express the best industrial mass productions of our sector, both from the point of view of design and production quality. The “OFFICINA ALESSI” trademark will include our most sophisticated, expensive, experimental and innovative products, as well as our small-scale and limited productions. The “A di ALESSI” trademark will include our most democratic and accessible products, i.e. those of a decidedly lower price range.

This catalogue reveals the “ALESSI” range of products and illustrates the greatest number of our products, around 350 projects.

–Alberto Alessi

Reference

Retrieved November 20, 2011 from Alessi: http://www.alessi.com/en/company/briefly-alessi

Heller catalog | Heller, Italy | 2011

2011-11-20T11:07:00.001-05:00

Heller: good design at affordable prices. Heller is responsible for the execution of plastic design, past and present. Click here or the image below to read the catalog.

Product descriptions

The Frank Gehry Furniture Collection
Right Twist Cube
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1015
Twist cube appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 43,5 cm – 17 1/8”
Width: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Depth: 50 cm – 19 11/16”
Weight: 7,2 kg – 15.87 lbs
Colors
1015-28 Silver Grey

Left Twist Cube
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1015
Twist cube appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Length: 43.5 cm – 17 1/8”
Width: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Depth: 45,5 cm – 17 15’16”
Weight: 7,2 kg – 15.87 lbs
Colors
1016-28 Silver Grey
1016-01 Gehry Color Cube White
1016-02 Gehry Color Cube Yellow
1016-03 Gehry Color Cube Red
1016-04 Gehry Color Cube Magenta
1016-05 Gehry Color Cube Blue
1016-06 Gehry Color Cube Black
1016-07 Gehry Color Cube Green

Three Sided Cube
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1017
Twist cube appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 42,5 cm – 16 3/4”
Width: 58 cm – 22 13/16”
Depth: 57 cm – 22 7/16”
Weight: 6,4 kg – 14.11 lbs
Colors
1017-28 Silver Grey

Bench
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1018
Bench appropriate for indoor/outdoor
commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 42,5 cm – 16 3/4”
Width: 127 cm – 50”
Depth: 50 cm – 19 11/16”
Weight: 13,6 kg – 29.98 lbs
Colors
1018-28 Silver Grey

Coffee Table / Sitting Unit
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1019
Coffee Table / Sitting Unit appropriate for
indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional
and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 40 cm – 15 3/4”
Width: 122 cm – 48 1/16”
Depth: 122 cm – 48 1/16”
Weight: 23,8 kg – 52.47 lbs
Colors
1019-28 Silver Grey

Easy Chair
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1020
Easy chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 68,5 cm – 26 15/16”
Seat Height: 39 cm – 15 3/8”
Width: 99 cm – 39”
Depth: 86 cm – 33 7/8”
Weight: 20,8 kg – 45.86 lbs
Colors
1020-28 Silver Grey

Sofa
Design: Frank Gehry
Model 1021
Sofa appropriate for indoor/outdoor
commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 76 cm – 29 15/16”
Seat Height: 44,5 cm – 17 1/2”
Width: 183 cm – 72 1/16”
Depth: 100 cm – 39 3/8”
Weight: 38,8 kg – 85.54 lbs
Colors
1021-28 Silver Grey

The Vignelli Chair
Design: Lella and Massimo Vignelli
Model 1014
Injection molded chair appropriate for
indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional
and residential use.
Construction
Injection molded nylon polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 90 cm – 35 7/16”
Seat Height: 44 cm – 17 5/16”
Width: 78 cm – 30 11/16”
Depth: 56,5 cm – 22 1/4”
Weight: 8,8 kg – 19.4 lbs
Colors
1014-06 Black
1014-17 Warm Grey
1014-34 Red/Orange

The Vignelli Collection
Design: Lella and Massimo Vignelli
Model 1030
Cube appropriate for indoor/outdoor
commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Width: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Depth: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Weight: 6,8 kg – 15 lbs
Colors
1030-01 White
1030-12 Dark Grey
1030-17 Light Grey

Vignelli Big Bench
Design: Lella and Massimo Vignelli
Model 1031
Bench appropriate for indoor/outdoor
commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Width: 182 cm – 71 5/8”
Depth: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Weight: 18,14 kg – 40 lbs
Colors
1031-01 White
1031-12 Dark Grey
1031-17 Light Grey

Vignelli Low Table
Design: Lella and Massimo Vignelli
Model 1032
Low table appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Width: 120 cm – 47 1/4”
Depth: 120 cm – 47 1/4”
Colors
1032-01 White
1032-12 Dark Grey
1032-17 Light Grey

Kiss
Design: Studio 65
Model 1013
Sofa appropriate for indoor/outdoor
institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 84 cm – 33 1/16”
Seat Height: 38 cm – 14 15/16”
Width: 85 cm – 33 7/16”
Depth: 76 cm – 29 15/16”
Weight: 21,6 kg – 47.62 lbs
Colors
1013-32 Red

Bocca
Design: Studio 65
Model 1011
Sofa appropriate for indoor/outdoor
institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 84 cm – 33 1/16”
Seat Height: 38 cm – 14 15/16”
Width: 210 cm – 82 11/16”
Depth: 76 cm – 29 15/16”
Weight: 30 kg – 66.14 lbs
Colors
1011-32 Red

Capitello
Design: Studio 65
Model 1012
Accent piece appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 78 cm – 30 11/16”
Width: 120 cm – 47 1/4”
Depth: 114 cm – 44 7/8”
Weight: 27,6 kg – 60.85 lbs
Colors
1012-01 Marble White

Joe
Design: De Pas, d’Urbino, Lomazzi
Model 1007
Sofa appropriate for indoor/outdoor
commercial and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 85 cm – 33 7/16”
Seat Height: 31 cm – 12 3/16”
Width: 158 cm – 63 3/16”
Depth: 100 cm – 39 3/8”
Weight: 30,2 kg – 66.58 lbs
Colors
1007-41 Marble
1007-42 Brown

The Bellini Chair
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1000
Injection molded stacking chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece modified, fiberglass reinforced polypropylene.
Dimensions
Height: 84 cm – 33 1/16”
Seat Height: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Width: 44 cm – 17 5/16”
Depth: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Weight: 3,4 kg – 7.5 lbs
Colors
1000-01 White
1000-06 Black
1000-12 Dark Grey
1000-17 Light Grey
Pack: 6/carton per color

The UltraBellini Chair
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1001
Injection molded stacking chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece nylon polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 84 cm – 33 1/16”
Seat Height: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Width: 44 cm – 17 5/16”
Depth: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Weight: 4,2 kg – 9.26 lbs
Colors
1001-01 White
1001-06 Black
1001-32 Red
1001-70 Blue Blue
Pack: 4/carton per color

Tavollini
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1003
Stacking side stool appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece high gloss nylon.
Dimensions
Height: 46,5 cm – 18 5/16”
Diameter: 46 cm – 18 1/8”
Colors
1003-01 White
Pack: 6/carton per color

Arco
Design: Mario and Claudio Bellini
Model 1004
Stacking chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece transparent polycarbonate or nylon polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 85,1 cm – 33 1/2”
Seat Height: 45,7 cm – 18”
Width: 63,5 cm – 25”
Depth: 54,6 cm – 21 1/2”
Weight: 4,2 kg – 9.26 lbs (nylon)
Weight: 4,8 kg – 10.58 lbs (polycarbonate)
Colors
1004-01 White
1004-06 Black
1004-32 Red
1004-60 Transparent
Pack: 4/carton per color

MB 1
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1008
Armchair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 65 cm – 25 9/16”
Seat Height: 38 cm – 14 15/16”
Width: 80 cm – 31 1/2”
Depth: 78 cm – 30 11/16”
Weight: 18,4 kg – 40.57 lbs
Colors
1008-12 Dark Grey
1008-01 White

MB 2
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1010
Sofa appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 65 cm – 25 9/16”
Seat Height: 38 cm – 14 15/16”
Width: 151 cm – 59 7/16”
Depth: 78 cm – 30 11/16”
Weight: 29,8 kg – 65.7 lbs
Colors
1010-12 Dark Grey
1010-01 White

MB 5
Design: Mario Bellini
Model 1009
Pouf/table appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial and residential use.
Construction
One piece roto molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 36 cm – 14 3/16”
Width: 56 cm – 22 1/16”
Depth: 56 cm – 22 1/16”
Weight: 7,4 kg – 16.31 lbs
Colors
1009-12 Dark Grey
1009-01 White

Selene
Design: Vico Magistretti
Model 1006
Injection molded stacking chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece transparent polycarbonate or nylon polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 75 cm – 29 1/2”
Seat Height: 47 cm – 18 1/2”
Width: 47 cm – 18 1/2”
Depth: 50 cm – 19 11/16”
Weight: 3,8 kg – 8.38 lbs
Colors
1006-01 White
1006-06 Black
1006-32 Red
1006-60 Transparent
Pack: 4/carton per color

The New Gaudi
Design: Vico Magistretti
Model 1050
Injection molded stacking chair appropriate for indoor/outdoor commercial, institutional and residential use.
Construction
One piece injection molded polymer.
Dimensions
Height: 75 cm – 29 1/2”
Seat Height: 45,7 cm – 18”
Width: 59 cm – 23 ¼”
Depth: 57,5 cm – 23 1/4”
Colors
1050-01 White
1050-06 Black
1050-12 Dark Grey
1050-17 Light Grey
Pack: 4/carton per color

Deda vase | Giotto Stoppino | Heller, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2011-11-19T08:46:00.001-05:00

An update to my post of January 20, 2009, the Deda vase by Giotto Stoppino for Heller.

Wonderful DEDA vase, designed by Giotto Stoppino for Heller circa 1972. The vase is in wonderful structural condition but does show fading as it has turned the common light beige in color. This is very common in 1960s and 70s plastic as the UV filters fail and the bright white fades slightly. At any rate, the vase is free of breaks, melts or cracks.”

There were 6 bidders and 8 bids. The winning bid was $58.00 with $8.00 for shipping. This Deda was sold on 11/18/2011 from Kansas City, Missouri.

eBay final bid screenshot for the Deda vase.

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Views of the Deda vase that sold. Image source: eBay.

In Attesa wastebasket | Enzo Mari | Danese, Italy | 1970 | UPDATE

2011-11-11T06:48:00.001-05:00

Enzo Mari
Danese, Italy, 1970

An update to my post of September 11, 2009, the In Attesa wastebasket by Enzo Mari for Danese. It has been a while since a red example of this wastebasket has appeared at auction. There were 4 bidders and 10 bids. The winning bid was $77.98 (with unspecified shipping).

eBay final bid screenshot for the In Attesa wastebasket.

This In Attesa was sold on 11/10/2011 from Southern California. Described by the seller: “In good used vintage condition, with minor wear (really just a few scuffs) from use evident but no chips, cracks, stains, holes, or major scratches.” Images in gallery from eBay.

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Deda vase | Giotto Stoppino | Heller, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

An update to my post of January 20, 2009, the Deda vase by Giotto Stoppino for Heller. This white Deda was thoroughly described and in very good condition.

Produced by Heller in Italy until 1974. The Deda vase is for long stemmed flowers. As it twists in helical form, its height increases from 8” to 14”. The spiral is 10” wide with plastic walls of thickness 1 3/4”. The complex shape of the vase was realized with the help of numerical control programs from technicians at Olivetti. The vase is marked on bottom with “Heller Design Giotto Stoppino Made in Italy”.

There were 4 bidders and 5 bids. The winning bid was $133.50 with $17.50 for shipping. This Deda was sold on 11/8/2011 from Baltimore, Maryland.

eBay final bid screenshot for the Deda vase.

Two views of the Deda vase that sold. Image source: eBay.

Sinus ashtray (model 84030) | Walter Zeischegg | Helit, Germany | 1966

2011-11-01T22:50:00.001-04:00

An update of my post from September 29, 2011, the Sinus ashtray by Walter Zeischegg for Helit. Here is the ashtray in red and green but in an alternative style.

84030 Sinus ashtray, stacked. Image source: eBay.

The 84030 model is different from the 84005 and 84009 models in that the “waves” are shifted so the edge has three wide parts and three narrow parts instead of the edge being the same height all the way around. The ashtray rests on these three wide parts. The ashtrays were described as being 13.5 cm in diameter by 6.5 cm height. All images from eBay.

Red

Green

Astrolite Products | Ritts Co., L.A. | Various designers | ca. 1970s

2011-10-29T08:21:00.001-04:00

A pair of Astrolite candlesticks, measuring approximately 6” tall and 5.75” long.

Above: Three views of the Astrolite candlesticks. Image source, eBay.

Astrolite label. Image source, eBay.

Sinus ashtray | Walter Zeischegg | Helit, Germany | 1966 | UPDATE

2011-10-23T07:47:00.001-04:00

An update of my post from September 29, 2011, the Sinus ashtray by Walter Zeischegg for Helit. This certainly isn’t an ashtray, but it has the distinctive Sinus form. It is a stackable kitchen canister, with four compartments: Konfekt (red), Chips (yellow), Snacks (green), and Nüsse (purple) and a yellow lid. Height is 20.5 cm. All images are from eBay.

Zodiac mirror | Unknown designer | Finesse Originals, United States of America | 1970s(?) | UPDATE

2011-10-11T21:04:00.001-04:00

My post of May 15, 2010 focused on the Zodiac mirror by Finesse Originals. I know there’s been interest in purchasing these mirrors. This Zodiac mirror is offered by S J Antiques and Preowned Furniture on eBay. The price is $299.99 (Buy It Now) or Make Offer with $69 for Greyhound shipping.

Information about the mirror:

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BK524 Lot # 9-29-11. Item Description

This is a cool retro looking mirror. It has all of the zodiac characters. The frame is a fiberglass composite material. It is in very good condition. I figure this is from the late 60s/early 70s. It is ready to hang on your wall. Size 40” Across X 5.5” Deep.

Rougier tube lamp | Unknown Designer | Rougier, Canada | ca. 1970 | UPDATE

2011-10-07T17:32:00.001-04:00

An update to my post of February 4, 2009, the Rougier tube lamp by Rougier, Canada. I’ve posted numerous times before about lamps by Rougier. This lamp sold on October 1, 2011 from Kitty Hawk, NC for $2,995. There were 4 bidders who placed 10 bids. All images in this post are from eBay, user sobercindy.

eBay completed item screenshot for the Rougier tube lamp.

The lamp was described as follows:

This mushroom shaped Rougier tube lamp is awesome and it is in excellent working condition, the switch and wiring are both very good! There are some stains on the pvc as one would expect in a normal non-smoking environment. The height of the lamp is 22-23” including the base (it measures 6 ¼” x 6 ¼”), which is black and brass. The brass has some minor pitting and scratches, a good polishing could make it look like new, otherwise it is in very good condition. The removable opening on the back is attached by two screws that are easily removed to complete the changing of bulb. The metal label “Rougier” is attached on the back of the base and on the bottom is the “Made in Canada” label. Circa 1960-1970s.

Three views of the Rougier tube lamp: in daylight, showing exposed panel used to change bulb, in dark room.

Top view of Rougier tube lamp.

Top: Rougier label. Middle: Underside of lkamp. Bottom: made in CANADA sticker.

Sinus ashtray | Walter Zeischegg | Helit, Germany | 1966 | UPDATE

2011-10-03T16:37:00.001-04:00

An update of my post from September 29, 2011, the Sinus ashtray by Walter Zeischegg for Helit. Here is the ashtray in red with a simple “MADE IN HONG KONG” imprint.

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Red Sinus ashtray. Image source, eBay.

Sinus ashtray | Walter Zeischegg | Helit, Germany | 1966

2011-09-29T08:51:00.001-04:00

The Sinus ashtray is perhaps the most recognizable object designed by Walter Zeischegg. It is made by Helit out of melamine in just about every color of the rainbow. This ashtray has frequently been employed as a promotional or advertising item. In production for a long time, the Sinus has come in different style boxes and with many different imprints stamped on the underside. It is sometimes called the “wave-stacking ashtray.” The Sinus ashtray is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

There are two sizes of the ashtray. The 84009, the larger of the two sizes, is approximately 8 inches in diameter. The 84005, the smaller of the two sizes, is approximately 5 inches in diameter.

Sinus ashtrays, models 84005 and 84009. Image source: braadspitt.nl

Sinus ashtray, model 84009. Imprint “helit 84009 Made in Germany” Image source: eBay.

Sinus ashtray, model 84009. Imprint “helit 84009 made in w-germany design w. zeischegg ulm” Image source: eBay.

Image source: Modcats.com (item sold). Imprint “Helit 96 Made in Germany”

Black Sinus ashtray, model 84005. Upper left, ashtray. Upper right, ashtray with box. Middle and lower, box. Image source: hhstyle.com

A different box style for the Sinus ashtray. Image source: eBay.

White and Red

Image source: eBay.

White and Black

Above top and middle: A white and black Sinus ashtray. Bottom: Stamped “Eagle made in U.S.A.” Image source: eBay.

Red

Image source: hhstyle.com

Violet, Gray, and Black

Image source: eBay.

Violet (with advertising)

Sinus ashtray employed as a promotional item. Image source: eBay.

Orange (with advertising)

Sinus ashtray employed as a promotional item. Image source: eBay.

Yellow, Orange, and Black

Image source: eBay.

4690 fioriera (flowerpot vase) | Giotto Stoppino | Kartell, Italy | 1972 | UPDATE

2011-09-19T16:54:00.001-04:00

Giotto Stoppino
Kartell, Italy, 1972

An update to my post of February 24, 2009, the flowerpot vase by Giotto Stoppino. One of these vases in orange was sold on eBay for $168.50 with $20.00 for shipping on September 11, 2011.

Above: eBay completed item screenshot for the Giotto Stoppino 4690 vase in orange.

There were 3 bidders who placed 4 bids. The seller indicated that this vase came from the Wright Auction House in Chicago, IL from their “Modern Design + Utopia: Lost and Found” auction on April 1, 2008. Condition was described as fantastic “with no chips, cracks or noticeable scratches/scuffs.” Plenty of pictures were included in the listing. This is an uncommonly encountered piece.

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Giotto Stoppino 4690 vase in orange.

Pictures of the imprint on the bottom of the vase:

Kartell / made in Italy / Design GIOTTO STOPPINO

4690

and the insert that holds the blooms:

KARTELL made in ITaly

are shown in the gallery below.

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63527 magazine rack | Walter Zeischegg | Helit, Germany | 1973 | UPDATE

2011-09-10T18:38:00.001-04:00

Walter Zeischegg
63526 letter rack and 63527 magazine rack
Helit, Germany, 1973

An update to my post of February 27, 2010, the 63526 letter rack and 63527 magazine rack by Walter Zeischegg for Helit. This 63527 magazine rack is for sale on eBay, in white and retains the original “helit” sticker.

Guida XX Edizione Premio Compasso d’Oro | Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (ADI), publisher | 2004

2011-09-06T19:15:00.001-04:00

Guida XX Edizione Premio Compasso d’Oro
Guide 20th Edition / 50th Anniversary
ADI “Compasso d’Oro” Award

This booklet and design guide is a sourcebook which contains information from the first 20 editions and 50 years (1954 – 2004) of the Compasso d'Oro ADI awards held at the Trienalle di Milano between September 16 and November 14, 2004. The 21st edition was held in 2008. Click here or the image above to read the booklet.

Lumitime clock | Various designers | Tamura Electric Corp., Japan | ca. 1970 | UPDATE

2011-08-29T20:05:00.001-04:00

Various designers
Tamura Electric Corp., Japan, ca. 1970

Lumitime CC-24 clock with box.

An update to my post of March 23, 2009, specifically the CC-24 Lumitime clock. I haven’t come across this model before. It runs on 60Hz electricity and has a 24 hour display.

Label on bottom of Lumitime CC-24 clock. “Tamura Electric Corp. (U.S.A.) - Model No. CC-24 - NO L 8 E - 120 Volts 60 Hz 6 Watts - Made in Japan - UL Listed Clock 186J”

Additional views of the Lumitime CC-24 clock; side, back, and front.

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Lumitime CC-24 box.

The clock was in generally good condition, described as “looks hardly used, if even at all. A couple of very light scuffs on front. There is one knob/cover missing from the front - the HOUR knob on the far left (visible in photos).” The clock sold on 8/29/2011 from Florida. There were 2 bidders and 3 bids with a final price of $66. Shipping added $12.

Christy sugar bowl | Christopher Dresser | Alessi, Italy | 1993

2011-08-21T11:22:00.001-04:00

after: Model No. 247 Christopher Dresser Elkington & Co., United Kingdom ca. 1885

Christopher Dresser
Elkington & Co.
United Kingdom, ca. 1885

Four Christy bowls sold recently from eBay, all from dedalo1972 who runs frequent auctions for vintage and modern plastic. An aggregate screenshot of the results is presented below.

Color	Bidders	Bids	Sale Price
Yellow	3	3	$17.50
Green	1	1	$14.95
Violet	1	3	$14.95
Gray	3	3	$23.49

When introduced by Alessi in 1993, the Christy bowl was available in four colors: anthracite gray, violet, yellow, and green. The violet (purple) was discontinued by Alessi in the mid 1990s and replaced with a light blue color.

Above: eBay completed item screenshot for four Christy bowls. The auctions ended 8/14/2011.

Alessi imprint on yellow Christy bowl.

Alessi imprint on green Christy bowl.

Alessi imprint on violet Christy bowl.

Alessi imprint on gray Christy bowl.

Alessi imprint on light blue Christy bowl.

Acrilica table lamp (model 281) | Joe Colombo | Oluce, Italy | 1962

2011-08-14T07:59:00.001-04:00

Joe Cesare Colombo was a versatile Italian painter, sculptor, architect, and industrial designer. He studied painting and sculpture in Milan at the Accademia di Belle Arte di Brera until 1949 before transferring to Milan Polytechnic to study architecture, which he did until 1954.

Up to 1958 Joe Colombo worked solely as an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. From 1959, after his father’s death, Joe Colombo took over the family electrical appliance business, notably introducing new methods of production and materials. In 1962 Joe Colombo opened an interior decoration and industrial design practice of his own in Milan.

The Colombo brothers (subsequently only Joe pursued the design of objects, while Gianni devoted himself to the fine arts) were seeking a receptive environment for their creativity: Oluce. In 1962 Joe Colombo collaborated with his brother Gianni on developing Acrilica. Acrilica was inspired by the lighting associated with a hotel project in Sardinia where a counter-ceiling was used to realize a particular mode of indirect lighting.

Oluce was established in 1945 by Giuseppe Ostuni, making Oluce the oldest Italian lighting design company that is still active today. Prior to World War II, there existed only Gino Sarfatti’s Arteluce, which closed its doors in the late 90s. In 1948, both Azucena and Lamperti were founded, followed by Arredoluce and Stilnovo in 1950. For many years it was chiefly Arteluce, Azucena and Oluce that dominated the Italian scene, creating a hub for the designers, strongly engaged first in the reconstruction and later in the birth of series production, who animated the Milanese forum: Vittoriano Viganò and BBPR, Gigi Caccia Dominioni and Ignazio Gardella, Marco Zanuso and Joe Colombo.

History of the Oluce company introduced by Antonio Verderi.

The Acrilica table lamp was awarded the Medaglia d’Oro (gold medal) at the XIII Triennale, where Joe Colombo also won two silver medals for the Combi-Center and the Mini-Kitchen, shown below. Acrilica established Joe Colombo as one of the great designers of the day. He is well represented at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and other museums worldwide.

	Combi-center (Bernini, 1963). Image source.
	Mini-kitchen (Reissued by Boffi). Image source.

Joe Colombo won the Compasso d’Oro (the first for Oluce) in 1967 for the Spider group and in 1970 for the Candyzionatore air conditioner. Spider is a single lighting fixture designed to be a horizontal spot light. In a variety of geometries the lamp is suitable to be employed in different situations (home or office) and on different supports (table, floor, wall, or ceiling), its geometric versatility resulted in the novel concept of a “family” of lamps.

	Spider table lamp (Oluce, 1965). Image source.
	Candyzionatore air conditioner (Candy Elettrodomestici srl, 1969). Image source.

Joe Colombo won the International design award for the Coupé lamp and the Spring lamp.

	Coupé table lamp (model 3321) (Oluce, 1967). Image source. MoMA.
	Spring table lamp (Oluce, 1967). Image source. MoMA.

Joe Colombo was well represented at the exhibition “Italy: the New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, including:

4801 armchair (plywood)
4860 stacking chair (ABS)
Poker card table (wood, stainless steel)
Square Plastic System storage cubes (ABS)
Spider wall lamp (metal)
Tube chair (PVC, polyurethane)
Additional System chair (polyurethane)
Multichair chair (polyurethane)
Minikitchen (wood, stainless steel)

Acrilica was first included in the 1962 Oluce catalog. The lamp realizes indirect lighting through internal reflection of light through a curved piece of transparent PMMA (acrylic). Through this curve, light appears to climb.

A different version of the Acrilica lamp, not put into production. Image source: designboom.

The innovative Acrilica lamp consists of an elongated foot with the source of light, to which a transparent, C-shaped sheet of acrylic resin, bent upward, is attached to conduct the light from the foot. In the Acrilica table lamp, Joe Colombo masterfully used both the thermoplastic and optical properties of acrylic resin to create a beautiful lamp that relies on a “light piping” effect similar to what could be expected in a fiber optic arrangement.

Acrilica lamp with a white base (above) and black base (below). Image source: Daily Icon.

The base of the lamp is in white or black metal and the entire lamp is 9 1/4 by 9 1/2 by 9” (23.5 by 24.1 by 22.9 cm) in size. For an Oluce video showcasing the Acrilica lamp, click here.

Technical data for the Acrilica table lamp. Image source.

References

Retrieved July 24, 2011 from http://www.oluce.com/company/index.php?lang=us&menu=1&submenu=1

Retrieved July 24, 2011 from http://www.kettererkunst.com/bio/joe-colombo-1930.shtml

Acrylic sculptures and lamps | Hivo G. Van Teal | Van Teal, Inc. | United States of America | 1976

2011-08-06T08:38:00.001-04:00

There are many great looking examples of Van Teal’s work out there. Presented here are sculptures and a lamp that are representative of his work. Prices of these acrylic objects vary, but anywhere between one hundred to a couple of hundred dollars is the retail norm.

Van Teal is a family owned company started by Hivo G. Van Teal in 1976. Van Teal’s early work is rich in acrylic, especially in sculpture and lighting. Above is a YouTube video introducing the Van Teal company and its history.

Two stills from the video, showing some of Van Teal’s early work.

Image source: eBay. Price: $250. A similar sculpture to the one at the far left of the second video still above. To give an idea of size, this sculpture is approximately 21” tall including the base and 10” wide at its widest.

Image source: eBay. Price: $395. A similar sculpture to the one at the center of the second video still above.

Image source: eBay (price $455 or best offer).

Image source: eBay (price $250).