Three Lisa Johansson Pape "13 005" Wall Lights For Stockmann Orno, Finland 1950s

Lisa Johansson-Pape once said: "A lamp is not the actual purpose, but more like an instrument. It must fulfill its purpose as a provider of light, but at the same time, it must also satisfy the aesthetic demands. A good light fixture must be simple, and its structure and function must be both neat and correct".

Johansson-Pape’s designs were always minimal, concise, and highly functional. While in terms of shapes and forms her designs are outstandingly versatile, the Finnish designer had a clear preference of materials, often using painted metal, acrylic, and glass. In the case of this set of three ‘13-005’ wall lights, the material dominates. These lamps showcase a painted metal structure with brass accents, two materials that are quintessentially mid-century modern. Since the two materials dictate the look, much attention was paid to quality and to the craftsmanship that united them into their unique shape. The modernistic look is achieved by the simple, yet smart design of the white lacquered conical silhouette. The look is almost industrial, with an edge of Finnish mid-century aesthetics. Despite being made of metal, the bodies appear light - mainly thanks to the brass structures connecting to the backplates, that allow the lamps to be adjusted. Thanks to the stylized metal shades, the light is distributed warmly when switched on. Besides its atmospheric light and disciplined, functionalist design, this set of wall lamps are a statement piece that draws the eye, and would make a wonderful addition to any interior.

This trio’s design combines a minimalist look with innovative, modern touches that result in a look that has an equally timeless and contemporary feel to it. While Johansson-Pape was also active as a furniture designer, her lighting designs brought her world-wide fame. Her work was presented in New York’s World Fair of 1939 and the Milan Triennial IX, where she won an award in 1951.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks. The lamps have recently been rewired.

Dimensions:
6.50 in W x 12.60 in L x 10.24 in H
16.5 cm W x 32 cm x 26 cm H

About the designer:
Lisa Johansson-Pape graduated as a furniture designer in 1927. Her career as a designer was long and wide-ranged. Johansson-Pape's furniture was very functional. After graduating in 1927 from the Central School of Arts and Crafts she went on to work for Kylmäkoski designing furniture. In 1933, she joined the Friends of Finnish Handicraft. She designed furniture for Stockmann in 1937 and in 1942 she designed for the Stockmann owned lighting factory Orno. The materials of the luminaires were enamelled metal, acrylic and glass. The technical functionality and practicality of the luminaire was a priority in Johansson-Pape's design.

Her attention turned towards lighting, and she co-founded the Illuminating Engineering Society of Finland, and she became the artistic director of the Friends of Finnish Handicraft from 1951 to 1985. She designed the lumieres and lighting solutions for several large spaces in Finland, such as hospitals, churches and ships. Johansson-Pape served as the artistic director of ‘Friends of Finnish Handicrafts’. She was also known as a designer of textiles, rugs and carpets. Johansson-Pape also created installations for 150 churches, including Eckerö Church, Helsinki Children’s Hospital, a rheumatic clinic, and for the ships Ilmatar, Aallotar, Finnpartner, Finnhansa and the icebreaker Karhu.

Lisa Johansson-Pape's works have represented Finland in several international exhibitions since the 1930s. At the Milan Triennial in 1951, her lamps received a silver medal and at the 1954 Triennial a gold medal. Johansson-Pape was awarded the ProFinlandia Medal in 1957. ~H.

Condition report:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks. The lamps have recently been rewired.