Hans Bergström Rare Adjustable Floor Lamps for Ateljé Lyktan with Decorative Brass Flowers

Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, pair of floor lamps, brass, leather and fabric, Sweden, 1930s.

This rare early pair features slender double brass stems and two adjustable shades that can be swung into different positions. The tapered bases are wrapped in warm brown leather, creating a refined contrast with the brass. Decorative leaf-shaped fittings can be loosened to adjust the height of each shade, combining elegant detailing with a highly functional design.

Hans Bergström (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 ateljé Lyktan, a venture that combined their collaborative efforts in luminaire design and various artistic pursuits. Bergström undertook various commissions spanning a wide range of architectural environments, including churches, private residences, and public buildings. It was from this point forward that Bergström spearheaded a revolution in Swedish luminaire manufacturing, fundamentally transforming the perception and application of electric lighting in the coming decades.

For a span of three decades, Bergström held the position of creative director at ateljé 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, Bergström emerged as a leading figure in the realm of modern Swedish lighting fixtures. On June 14, 1996, Hans Bergström passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.