THE LAMP IS A VERSATILE OBJECT THAT HOLDS MANY DESIGN POSSIBILITIES. EXPLORE A PUBLICATION SHOWCASING LAMPS BY DESIGNERS ALL AROUND THE WORLD SINCE THE 1950S
TEXT: PATTIYA HARPUTPONG
(For Thai, press here)
Lamptitude Reserve: The Pursuit Of Light 20th Anniversary
Lamptitude, 2023
6.30 x 9.40 inches
160 pages
A lamp is an illuminating sculpture, a kind of artwork of the modern day that can exist in any and every place with the sole functional purpose of providing light. Apart from that, to set or change the atmosphere in the room, to reflect the taste of the owner, to celebrate the design and craftsmanship of the maker, and to simply make the presence of time and space a little more enjoyable for those around.
The Pursuit of Light is a special publication presented by Lamptitude on the brand’s 20th anniversary. To celebrate its journey, Lamptitude remains true to its core by sharing the passion for the art of creating and the story behind great lamp designs. In this book, 40 lamps by designers all around the world are showcased, of which 20 were created before the year 2000 and the other 20 were created between the year 2000 and the present. The initial release year of these well-known designs can be surprising; most, if not all, of the older lamps still look as if they were designed yesterday. They have stood the test of time and will continue to be relevant for decades or centuries.
Snoopy by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni is a notable example of timeless design. It was originally released in 1967. The lamp is an enameled metal reflector in an irregular, smooth, rounded shape inspired by the universally beloved comic character. The Carrara marble base gives it an almost translucent, waxy glow when bathed in light. The leaning angle of this table lamp is a playful gesture reminiscent of the fictional best friend greeting the inner child in all of us. Unsurprisingly, the Snoopy lamp continues to be featured in various interior design projects, as there has never been a time when imagination and youth, cleverly presented in smart, minimalistic attire, are not cherished.
The designs from the past 23 years ensure the promising future of design. How wonderful it is to live in a time rich with recent works by big names that continue to push the boundaries forward, as well as the instant classics by the newer generation of designers.
Random (2017) is a suspended lamp featuring 3 sphere-shaped blown glass diffusers in different sizes. The group forms a joyful composition, like soap bubbles floating in the air. Each diffuser has its own LED light source that gives a soft white light. The diffusers have six color options, offering the flexibility to suit many settings. Chia-Ying Lee was the designer behind the creation of this lamp. The Taiwanese designer received numerous awards and recognition as a 2015 IFFS Asian Star Talent.
Adding a whimsical touch to design will never go out of style. As we know, a part of professionalism is the ability to deliver the finest quality while maintaining a playful spirit. Besides the persisting trend of introducing new ways to illuminate without making it obvious where the light sources are, sustainability has become more prioritized in the past decades. It is encouraging to witness an increasing number of designs that make environmental friendliness more tangible.
Almendra, designed in 2022, is a recent work of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. The name translates to almond, which the eye-catching form taken from the almond tree suggests. The suspended lamp features a long modular branch with light panels in the shape of simplified leaves attached to its ends. These panels can be removed and rearranged into groups of 3,4 or 6 modules. They are made of polycarbonate material and can be assembled without glue.
As a society, we never stop producing great works of design. Additionally, an even wider audience appreciates lamps from renowned designers every year because they share a love of beauty, usefulness, and originality. Lamptitude, at its heart, remains a member of this audience. As Satit Kokulkiat, Managing Director of Lamptitude, concluded in the book’s preface, “We are not just a store that sells lamps or lighting supplies, nor are we designers. We are simply people who have been pursuing ‘lights’ and all the hidden stories and values in these amazing lighting creations.”
Download the book here