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Table lamp
Designed by: Donald Deskey (American, 1894–1989)
Manufactured by: Deskey-Vollmer, Inc. (active 1927–1931)
Manufactured by: Deskey-Vollmer, Inc. (active 1927–1931)
designed 1927–28; produced 1927–31
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Silverplated brass, glass, electrical fittings
Dimensions
Overall: 33 x 11.1 x 13.3 cm (13 x 4 3/8 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
The John Axelrod Collection
Accession Number2008.1416
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Lighting devices
DescriptionThe base is composed of a silver-plated brass rectangular box, with three rising "steps," with pointed, triangular edges, cut into the front edge. The box is topped by a smooth, flat platform. The flat spine of the lamp stands perpendicular to the base, and supports three congruent triangular boxes, stacked vertically, each of which houses a lighting element. Each triangular casing has a flat, silver-plated top and sides, and is cut back towards the spine of the lamp at a 45° angle to reveal each bulb, hidden behind a frosted glass plate. When lit, the lamp illuminates downwards, while the reflective surfaces of base and the tops of the lower two triangular boxes reflect indirect light back up into the room.
ProvenanceBy 1987, owned by Fifty/50 (gallery), New York, New York; 1987, sold by Fifty/50 to John Axelrod, Boston, Massachusetts; 2008, given by John Axelrod to the MFA at part of The John Axelrod Collection (Accession Date: December 17, 2008)