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

The very rare wall lamps, model no. 1037, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden during the 1940s, are exemplary works of Scandinavian lighting design from the early modernist period. These fixtures display Bergström’s signature blend of sculptural innovation and functional sophistication, demonstrating his sensitivity to both material expression and the atmospheric qualities of light.

The construction features a carefully balanced combination of patinated copper and white plexiglass. The copper components, originally polished, have acquired a rich, greenish patina through natural oxidation, which varies across each lamp and contributes to their individual character. This aged surface contrasts with the smooth, milky translucence of the white plexiglass, a material that was innovative for the time and indicative of Bergström’s interest in exploring new technologies alongside traditional metalwork.

The form is asymmetrical and distinctly layered, with overlapping shade elements that diffuse light in a soft, ambient manner while also directing it both upward and downward. This design approach results in a dual-purpose lighting effect: providing illumination while creating visual interest through the interaction of shadows and structural depth. The asymmetry, unusual for the period, imparts a dynamic presence to the fixtures, emphasizing their sculptural quality.

Despite their age, the white plexiglass retains its original form and translucency, with only minor signs of wear that are consistent with decades of careful use. The copper surfaces, while visibly aged, remain structurally sound and contribute to the visual complexity and authenticity of the lamps.

Hans Bergström, one of Sweden’s most influential lighting designers, co-founded Ateljé Lyktan in 1934. Under his leadership, the company became synonymous with innovative, high-quality lighting rooted in modernist aesthetics and functional design principles. Bergström’s work from the 1940s, including the 1037 model, marks a transitional period where modern materials and expressive forms began to redefine the character of interior lighting.

Each fixture measures 21 cm in width, 25 cm in depth, and 31 cm in height (8.3 × 9.8 × 12.2 inches), offering a substantial visual impact while remaining versatile in application. Suitable for both residential and architectural environments, these lamps are not only rare examples of mid-century Scandinavian lighting but also important artifacts of design history, reflecting Bergström’s role in the evolution of Northern European modernism.

Additional information:
Producer: Ateljé Lyktan
Color: Green, White
Decade: 1940s
Country: Sweden
Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Material: Copper, Plexiglass
Designed in: 1940s
Dimensions: W: 21 / D: 25 / H: 31 cm
Item Number: 156582