1940s Vintage Walter Von Nessen Skyscraper Lamp
About the Item
- Creator:Walter Von Nessen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Voltage:12v
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Overall in lovely shape. Wear is consistent with age. No major blemishes or marks to metal or shades. Fully operational.
- Seller Location:Boston, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8675239343662
Walter Von Nessen
Art Deco industrial designer Walter von Nessen is best known for his glamorous Machine Age lighting designs and for his invention of the swing-arm lamp. Von Nessen was born in Germany, where he studied under Bruno Paul at Berlin’s Kunstgewerbeschule. After World War I, he worked for the architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin. He left in 1919 for Stockholm, where he designed furniture until emigrating with his wife, Margaretta, to the United States in 1923. In 1927, the couple opened Nessen Studios in Manhattan, designing and selling sleek, modern architectural lighting.
Art Deco was both novel and exciting in the late 1920s — as, indeed, was electricity itself — and Nessen Studios was at the forefront of the movement. Electric lighting designers at the time had no direct models to follow. The shapes and silhouettes of gas lamps, lanterns and chandeliers had been influenced by those of the kerosene-, oil- and candle-lit fixtures that preceded them, which in turn were informed by the fuels they used. Electric lighting required designs that accommodated essentials of the new technology, like cords and sockets. Von Nessen and his contemporaries thus had to create fixtures that addressed these challenges and looked modern without appearing overly mechanical.
Along with industrial-design visionaries of the period like Raymond Loewy, Gilbert Rohde and Donald Deskey, von Nessen crafted a style that was emblematic of the Machine Age. He produced lamps and home accessories from spun aluminum, with smooth surfaces that evoked the polished gleam of streamlined automobiles and airplanes. And he experimented with other popular materials of the era, such as Bakelite, chrome and fiberglass. His ingenious design for the now-ubiquitous swing-arm lamp earned him a reputation as an innovator.
Von Nessen’s work is represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, among other institutions. Designed to complement the luxurious interiors of the 1920s and ‘30s, still look fresh nearly a century later.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Boston, MA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 1970s Vintage Art Deco Distressed Leather Club ChairLocated in Boston, MAVintage Art Deco leather club chair, circa 1970s. Beautifully distressed cigar brown leather with aged patina. Rounded armrests that slope around the back for a inviting and lounging...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Club Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- 1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar DresserLocated in Boston, MAEdward Wormely for Dunbar dresser, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Seven drawers with dovetail joints. Ample storage. Leather wrapped plinth bas...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMahogany
- 1950s Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar CabinetBy Edward WormleyLocated in Boston, MAEdward Wormely for Dunbar cabinet, circa 1950s. Presented in mahogany, showing lovely woodgrain details. Two doors open to three adjustable selves. Perfect size for various uses. Met...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMahogany
- 1970s Vintage Knoll Style Barcelona Coffee TableBy Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Boston, MAVintage Knoll Barcelona Coffee Table, circa 1970s. Chrome frame with thick heavy glass top, epitomizes modern design and simple sophistication....Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsGlass
- Mid-Century Tri Shade Floor Lamp by Gerald ThurstonBy Gerald ThurstonLocated in Boston, MAA three headed adjustable pole floor lamp with a dark green, red and creme metal shade, circa 1960s. Rare color combination. The metal pole is in a satin black with round base. Brass...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- 1980s Vintage Herman Miller Soft Pad Management ChairBy Charles Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Boston, MAEames Soft Pad Management chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller circa 1983. Wrapped in the beautiful original soft turquoise fabric with plush padded seat and back cushion...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Art Deco Aluminum and Acrylic Skyscraper Table Lamp Walter Von NessenBy Walter Von NessenLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Art Deco aluminum and acrylic skyscraper table lamp. Walter Von Nessen Pattyn style. Maker unconfirmed. Item includes and acrylic base, aluminum "skyscraper" column, sleek sc...Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsAluminum
- Walter Von Nessen Table LampBy Walter Von Nessen, Nessen StudioLocated in Chicago, ILWalter Von Nessen swing arm table lamp with linen shade.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Table Lamp by Walter Von NessenBy Walter Von Nessen, Nessen StudioLocated in Sagaponack, NYA corrugated patinated brass table lamp with a glass diffuser shade to direct light upwards and a fabric shade to soften the glow.Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Walter Von Nessen Table Lamp for Nessen StudiosBy Walter Von Nessen, Nessen StudioLocated in Los Angeles, CAWalter von Nessen aluminum table lamp for Nessen Studio, c.1960s, USA. The table lamp features a curved aluminum stem and stainless steel base with original linen shade. Dimensions ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsStainless Steel, Aluminum
- Walter Von Nessen Style Table LampBy Walter Von Nessen, Nessen StudioLocated in Los Angeles, CAWalter von Nessen style table lamp c.1960s, USA. The table lamp features a curved chrome and stainless body with articulating arm. Dimensions 19" width x 15.5" depth x 25.5" height;...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome, Stainless Steel
- Walter Von Nessen style Midcentury Table LampBy Walter Von NessenLocated in New York, NYA brass and black metal table lamp; possibly by Walter Von Nessen. USA, circa 1940. Rewired with new sockets and French black silk twisted cord. Takes one standard US bulb, 75 watts...Category
Vintage 1940s American Machine Age Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Brass