A pair of ‘Privat-Lampe des Künstlers II’ floor lamps, designed by Franz West in 1989 and produced in Milan by Meta Memphis. Both lamps are dated 1989 and retain their original manufacturer’s labels and stamped markings.

The construction is extraordinarily simple. Each lamp is formed almost entirely from a continuous length of heavy welded and painted iron chain, rising from a loosely coiled base to a single exposed light fitting. The electrical cable is threaded through the links and remains completely visible, becoming part of the construction rather than something concealed within it.

At floor level, the chain gathers into an irregular, almost flower-like base. From this, it rises vertically to support the light source nearly two metres above the floor. There is no conventional shade, column or rigid base; the chain itself provides both the structure and the visual form of the lamp.

For us, this is what makes the design so successful. An ordinary industrial material is used to create something that sits somewhere between a functional floor lamp and a piece of sculpture. The considerable physical weight of the chain contrasts with the simplicity of the single exposed bulb above, while the loose construction prevents the lamps from ever 

feeling overly formal or precise.

The electrical cable is woven intermittently through the chain links, following the chain from the base towards the light fitting. It is a small but important detail and reinforces the remarkably direct construction of the piece.

Designed and produced in 1989, the ‘Privat-Lampe des Künstlers II’ was made by Meta Memphis in Milan as an open edition. Both of these examples date from 1989 and retain their original manufacturer’s labels and stamped markings.

We have always liked the fact that there is very little conventional furniture design involved in these lamps. West takes chain, electrical cable and a light bulb and leaves each element completely apparent. Despite this simplicity, the scale and weight of the chain give the lamps considerable presence, particularly when used as a pair.

The lamps have been carefully cleaned while retaining the original finish and surface of the painted iron chain. Both are in excellent condition, with their manufacturer’s labels and stamped markings retained.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.