Pair of Wall Lamps in Copper by Hans Bergström, 1940s

This rare pair of wall lamps, a variant of model 1040, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden during the 1940s, represents a refined iteration of Scandinavian lighting design from the early modernist era. These fixtures display Bergström’s nuanced approach to lighting, where structural clarity is paired with rich material character and considered light dispersion.

Each lamp features a vertically oriented cylindrical shade crafted from solid copper. The surface of the copper has developed a natural patina over the decades, transitioning in areas from warm brown to verdigris tones, a transformation that highlights the age and authenticity of the pieces. The shades are punctuated with an elegant perforated pattern—delicately executed, these apertures permit a gentle diffusion of light while casting subtle, decorative shadows across surrounding surfaces. This interplay of direct and ambient light is central to Bergström’s design philosophy, where the atmosphere produced by the lamp is as significant as its physical form.

The overall construction reflects a minimalist architectural sensibility, with no extraneous elements distracting from the form or function. The lamps mount flush to the wall, supported by a simple but robust backing structure that ensures stability while keeping attention on the perforated copper cylinders.

Hans Bergström, who co-founded Ateljé Lyktan in 1934, was instrumental in establishing a distinct Scandinavian lighting identity that balanced modernist innovation with artisanal craft. His work is marked by an exploration of metal as both a structural and expressive medium, and these lamps exemplify that synthesis. The model 1040 variant subtly departs from the standard model with refined proportions and patterning, revealing Bergström’s iterative design process and commitment to detail.

Each lamp measures 14 cm in width, 23.5 cm in depth, and 24.5 cm in height (5.5 × 9.3 × 9.6 inches), making them well-suited for both residential and architectural interiors. Their modest scale is offset by their strong visual presence, making them effective as standalone pieces or as part of a symmetrical arrangement.

This pair stands as a notable example of mid-century Swedish lighting—functional, sculptural, and evocative. With their period patina and signature design language, they not only provide ambient lighting but also serve as rare historical objects that reflect the evolution of Northern European design sensibilities in the 20th century.

Additional information:
Producer: Ateljé Lyktan
Decade: 1940s
Country: Sweden
Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Material: Copper
Designed in: 1940s
Dimensions: W: 14 / D: 23.5 / H: 24.5 cm
Item Number: 156574