Pair of Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen "E1296" Table Lamps for ASEA, Sweden 1950s

Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen was a Danish designer who is best known for his wide collection of lighting fixtures. A licensed ornamental metalworker, Holm-Sørensen started his design career in the 1950s, and many of his designs feature metal surface with different ornaments and perforations. This distinctive model is among his rare early creations. Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget (in English, the “General Swedish Electrical Limited Company”), ASEA was a Swedish manufacturer of electrical products and industrial infrastructure. While broadly known for the more large-scale parts of the catalogue; e.g., steam turbines for power plants, high-speed locomotives for passenger railroads, etc.—ASEA endures in the hearts of design lovers for their mid-century interior lighting collections produced in collaboration with venerated designers like Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen and Hans Bergström.

These rare ASEA table lamps, model E1296, date back to the 1950s, featuring a cone-shaped base crafted from solid wood and a highly distinctive and artistically formed opaline glass shade secured by a brass cylinder. The overall impression of the design is at the same time futuristic and essentially mid-century modern. This impressive achievement is the result of the materials and their innovative but functional use. This is especially true for the reflector “dancing” with the glass shade. Its white lacquered inside reflects the light, creating a nice effect. The light also highlights the brass cylinders around the neck of the lamps. The large dominating parts are balanced by the sleek elements such as the tubes holding the reflectors, and the conical shapes. During the 20th century, ASEA Belysning had acquired several rival companies, solidifying its position as one of Sweden's premier manufacturers of light fixtures. ASEA's Stockholm drawing office was responsible for the development of numerous modernistic lamps, designed for both public spaces and domestic applications. The company collaborated with numerous renowned designers, including Hans Bergström and Uno Kristiansson, over the years. As the story goes, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen sketched on everything: envelopes, theatre programmes, even tram tickets. Some sketches remained ideas, but others he brought to life in the form of lamps. Thanks to a combination of imagination, talent and vision, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen created some of the most distinctive models of the 1950s, including these E1296 table lamps. While the large conical elements will be the first to catch the eye, the materials are just as interesting. The body is composed of teak, brass, and opaline glass, making sure that each material stands out in its own right. The conical construction makes the lamps look light, balancing the thicker teak body. As a licensed ornamental metalworker, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen possessed an experimental, yet balanced understanding of materials, which is clearly traceable in this model. The dark teak parts are all separated by elements of different materials like the brass and glass; this clever feature highlights each part of this table lamp, making it a well-thought-out, proportionate and artistic model.

The Swedish company, ASEA manufactured these lamps with utmost care for their quality. The company was among the most renowned Swedish lighting manufacturers during the mid-century era, working with some of the most well-known Scandinavian designers. These rare table lamps show the great success of these collaborations.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks and scratches.

Dimensions:
5.51 in W x 5.51 in D x 14.96 in H
14 cm W x 14 cm D x 38 cm H

Shipping:
These lamps will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the items 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.