Rare 1930s table lamp by Andre Arbus and Raymond Subes

An extremely rare table lamp by two French design masters. This perfectly proportioned hammered metal table light is wonderfully refined in detail and finish. Four hammered metal shades hang from arched metal arms.These are supported by a tapered column detailed in hammered iron with ribbed pattern to the top and base. Sits on a circular base with filial ball detailing. The talent of Arbus for design and the talent of Subes for exquisite metalwork make this late 1930s table lamp exceptional.

Signed "AS" on each lampshade.

Born in 1893, Raymond Subes was, by the 1930s, recognised as one of the most important metalworkers of France, collaborating with leading decorators of the time such as Ruhlmann and creating masterpieces for transatlantic liners. Notably the magnificent doors to the dining room of the "Normandie".

Andre Arbus, ten years younger than Subes, came from generations of fine cabinet workers but his passion was for classic-modernism in design, sculpture and architecture. In 1934, at the age of 31, he was honoured with the prestigious Blumenthal Award, by the Franco-American Foundation of Florence Blumenthal.