A table / wall lamp, Model 551, designed by Gino Sarfatti in 1952 and produced in Italy by Arteluce.

The lamp has an exceptionally simple construction. A single bent brass rod forms the base and upright support, while the original yellow painted aluminium reflector is attached at the top by an adjustable friction joint. There is very little material involved, yet the geometry of the brass frame gives the lamp a surprisingly strong and distinctive form.

The reflector can be rotated to alter the direction of the light, allowing what is essentially a very simple lamp to be adjusted according to where and how it is being used.

One of the interesting aspects of the Model 551 is its dual purpose. Sarfatti designed the lamp so that it could be used either standing on a table or mounted as a wall light. The solution is remarkably simple: a small hook is fixed to the wall and the lower section of the brass base simply rests on the hook. No additional wall bracket or complicated fitting is required.

For us, this is one of the cleverest details of the design. The same continuous brass rod that forms the base when the lamp is standing on a table also allows it to be suspended from the wall. Combined with the adjustable reflector, Sarfatti achieves two different uses from remarkably few components.

This example retains its original yellow painted finish. It is a strong colour and gives the lamp a very different character to the more commonly encountered black and white examples. The brass frame has developed a warm, naturally aged surface that works extremely well against the yellow shade.

For us, these early Arteluce lamps demonstrate what Sarfatti did so well during this period. The construction is extremely economical, but every element has a purpose. There is nothing superfluous to the design.

The lamp has been carefully cleaned and remains in very good original condition. There are scratches, small marks and areas of paint loss to the yellow shade consistent with its age and use, most noticeably around the edge of the reflector. We have deliberately retained the original painted surface rather than refinishing it. The brass has likewise been left with its naturally developed patina.

The ability to use the Model 551 either as a table lamp or wall light makes it remarkably versatile, while the original yellow finish gives this particular example a much stronger presence than its relatively small scale might suggest.

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.