A rare and beautiful pair of 1121 wall lights by Giuseppe Ostuni and Renato Forti for O-Luce, dating from 1965.

The 1121 is an excellent example of the experimentation and refinement that characterised Italian lighting design during the 1960s. At first glance, the design appears simple, but there is a remarkable amount of thought in the construction and combination of materials.

The softly rounded opaline glass diffuser is the defining element of the light. The translucent green band running through the centre gives the pair their distinctive character, while the metal and transparent elements of the structure create a beautiful contrast. When illuminated, the opaline glass produces a wonderfully soft and atmospheric light, with the green methacrylate becoming particularly luminous.

As a company, we are very fond of O-Luce lighting. The early pieces were made using the best materials and to an exceptionally high standard of engineering. For us, there is always something special about a piece where a great deal of thought has gone into the design and construction, with no expense spared and no corners cut. Combined with world-class design and the unmistakable aesthetic of mid-century Italian modernism, it is a winning combination.

The construction itself is particularly interesting. Rather than mounting the diffuser directly against the wall, Ostuni and Forti project it forward on a slender armature, allowing the light to float away from the wall. This creates a strong sense of depth and gives the lights an almost architectural quality. The circular wall plate, horizontal supports and central metal cylinder are all deliberately exposed, making the construction itself an important part of the aesthetic.

There is something particularly appealing about the balance between the soft, almost organic form of the glass and the precise geometry of the metalwork. It is a combination of warmth and technicality that feels very characteristic of the best Italian lighting of the period.

The model 1121 was produced by O-Luce in the mid-1960s and is documented in the company’s 1965 catalogue. The design brings together nickel-plated steel, coloured methacrylate, opaline glass and clear Plexiglas, creating a subtle contrast between the metal and the translucent and transparent elements.

The pair is particularly successful as a set. Their scale makes them versatile enough for bedrooms, hallways, living spaces or beside a mirror, while their sculptural quality means they work just as well as decorative objects when switched off. Installed together, the two lights create a beautiful rhythm across a wall.

The green methacrylate diffuser is adjustable using two small screws, allowing the green element to be raised or lowered to adjust the level of diffusion to your preference. It can also be easily removed, allowing the clear opaline shade to be illuminated more directly. This small element gives the lights a surprising degree of versatility, allowing their appearance and quality of light to be changed according to how they are positioned.

The lights have been carefully cleaned and are presented in their best vintage condition. We have taken a sympathetic approach to their restoration, retaining the character and patina that comes with age rather than attempting to make them appear new.

The only point to note regarding condition is that the two original opaline glass shades have developed slightly different colours over time. When placed directly next to one another, the difference is noticeable; when separated by a few metres, it becomes considerably less apparent. Both shades are original to the pair. It is likely that they have simply aged differently depending on their individual position and exposure over the years. We feel this is worth mentioning for complete transparency, but also consider it part of the history and character of an original pair of vintage lights.

Overall, these are a rare and highly decorative example of 1960s Italian lighting. The 1121 combines sculptural glass, translucent colour and exposed construction in a way that remains remarkably fresh more than sixty years after it was designed.

Viewing is 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.