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Desk lamp
Designed by: William Lescaze (American, born in Switzerland, 1896–1969)
Manufactured by: Kurt Versen Company (active about 1933–2008)
Manufactured by: Kurt Versen Company (active about 1933–2008)
designed about 1932
Object Place: Englewood, New Jersey
Medium/Technique
Chrome-plated steel; enameled brass, glass
Dimensions
Overall: 34.3 x 57.8 x 16.5 cm (13 1/2 x 22 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
The John Axelrod Collection
Accession Number2014.1412
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Lighting devices
DescriptionA thin circle of chrome-plated steel forms the base. Rising from slightly behind the center of the base, a thin steel rod extends straight upwards before curving forwards at a rounded right-angle. The rod extends, parallel to the table, over the front of the base, to support the lighting element. A circular, chrome-plated cylinder, with the bottom side removed, holds the rod-like bulb and extends almost two feet from the base. A slightly shorter, circular brass cylinder enclosed the chrome one and is moveable to adjust the angle of the light. An electric cord extends backwards from where the steel rod intersects the base.
ProvenanceDesigned and made for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society building by Howe and Lescaze, part of "accessories for the executive's desk"; by 1987, owned by Fifty/50 (gallery), New York, New York; November 19, 1987, sold by Fifty/50 to John Axelrod, Boston, Massachusetts; 2008, promised gift of John Axelrod to the Museum; 2014, gift of Axelrod to the MFA. (Accession date: October 29, 2014)