Hans Bergstrm for ASEA, table lamp, mahogany, brass, Sweden, 1940s/1950s

This lovely table lamp is designed by Hans Bergstrm for ASEA in the 1940s/1950s, and is a beautiful example of Scandinavian Modern design. Made in rich and dark mahogany wood and brass, this piece combines warmth and refinement. The fluted wooden stem adds a sense of texture and interestingness, while the brass shade casts a soft, inviting light.

Hans Bergstrm (1910-1996), a luminary figure hailing from the realm of Swedish architecture and design, was born on November 4, 1910, in Karlshamn, Sweden. After his completion of secondary school in 1927, Hans embarked on an internship at Ystad Metall, a local craft industry situated near his grandfather's farm. In 1929, he sought further education and enrolled at the esteemed School of Art and Design in Stockholm. Remarkably, even before his graduation from this institution, at the age of twenty, Hans showcased his prowess as a designer for Ystad Metall at the prestigious Stockholm Exhibition in 1930.

In the 1920s, Hans encountered his future wife Verna during the summer holidays in his native town of Karlshamn. In 1934, the couple jointly established the company atelj Lyktan, a venture that combined their collaborative efforts in luminaire design and various artistic pursuits. Bergstrm undertook various commissions spanning a wide range of architectural environments, including churches, private residences, and public buildings. It was from this point forward that Bergstrm spearheaded a revolution in Swedish luminaire manufacturing, fundamentally transforming the perception and application of electric lighting in the coming decades.

During the advent of the 1950s, the emergence of plastic as a novel material in modern lighting captured Hans' attention. As the United States gradually introduced plastic as a material of significance, Bergstrm encountered a method involving the application of sprayed plastic onto a rotating wire frame, facilitated by a spray gun. Interestingly, this technique bore certain resemblances to the later approach employed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in the creation of their Viscontea Lamp (1960), reminiscent of a cocoon, designed for Flos. Recognizing the vast potential offered by this new technology, he successfully managed to get a patent for the production.

For a span of three decades, Bergstrm held the position of creative director at atelj Lyktan and served as the sole designer of the company until the early 1960s. A significant portion of his designs were unique pieces, numbered but lacking specific names. Through his pioneering work, Bergstrm emerged as a leading figure in the realm of modern Swedish lighting fixtures. On June 14, 1996, Hans Bergstrm passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Kindly note that the piece is in good, used condition with signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.