Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp by Gunnel Nyman (Attr.) for Idman, Finland 1950s

Gunnel Nyman (19 September 1909 – 7 October 1948) was a Finnish glass and metal artist, and one of the leading figures of modern Finnish glass design. During the post-war era she transitioned to glassware and collaborated or worked on commission with various glassworks including Riihimäki, Karhula-Iittala and Nuutajärvi. She was also an advocate of early mass-produced glassware, with her work featuring organic lines and focusing on the characteristics of glass itself.

This ceiling lamp embodies the sleek and simple aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1950s. Even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or transparent ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, and was known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century, when the material was used for home accents to decorate households. This lamp has an eye-catching rounded cone shape, with a blunted end and soft edges. Thanks to the concealed ceiling holder, the piece is flush mounted, staying close to the ceiling and allowing the glass shade to remain the focal point of the design. Nyman was a master of working with milk glass, and her lamps of this material are some of her most sought-after designs. She considered material an essential factor in design. Form, proportion and decoration were only there to enhance the properties inherent in the material. The Finnish design blueprint that was set during the first few decades of the 1900s is based on characteristics that can be traced in this lamp model: functionality, an understated, unornamented design created from high quality materials - and most importantly, by a skilled craftsperson.

Although Gunnel Nyman’s career was cut short by an untimely death, she had enough time to give a new direction to Finnish glass design. At the Milan Triennial in 1951, Nyman was awarded the gold medal for glass posthumously.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been reconditioned and rewired. Minor marks, scratches and imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and the age of the item. This lamp is compatible with an E(27) fitting. Due to the age of the lamp we recommend using LED bulbs.

Dimensions:
11.82 in ⌀ x 10.83 in H
30 cm ⌀ x 27.5 cm H

Shipping:
This item will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive it in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.