Albano Poli large Brutalist Wall Sconce in Metal and Crystal, Poliarte, 1970s

This large wall sconce presents a pronounced verticality and a deliberately rugged presence, typical of a Brutalist aesthetic. Its irregular, stratified silhouette projects decisively from the wall, creating a strong interplay of mass, void, and shadow. The composition reads almost as an architectural fragment or a sculptural relief, asserting itself in space with a sense of weight and material honesty.

The structure is executed in hammered metal, gilded and heavily patinated, with an intentionally rough and uneven surface that foregrounds the process of making. Embedded within the metal body are chiselled and ground coloured crystal elements, arranged in a dense, axial configuration. The glass varies in tone—clear, amber, and deep red—and is left visibly textured, allowing light to pass through in a fractured and irregular manner. The contrast between the raw, oxidised metal and the luminous, faceted crystal is central to the object’s visual impact.

Designed by Albano Poli and produced by Poliarte in the 1970s, this wall lamp exemplifies a Brutalist approach translated into lighting design. Poliarte’s work from this period often embraced expressive materials and sculptural form, blurring distinctions between applied art and functional object. The uncompromising use of metal and glass, combined with a monumental composition, aligns this piece with the broader Brutalist sensibility of the decade.

The lamp is in very good original condition. The metal shows an even, well-preserved patina with natural oxidation consistent with age and material. The coloured crystal elements are intact, with no visible cracks or losses. No significant restorations are noted.

Measurements:
Height 117 cm (46 in) × Width 36 cm (14.2 in) × Depth 22 cm (8.7 in)