Dutch Art Deco Bauhaus Giso 451 Arc Floor Lamp by Willem Hendrik Gispen, 1920s

Details

Description

Documented early-production Giso floor lamp, model 451, designed by Dutch modernist Willem Hendrik Gispen. Circa 1929. Manufactured in Rotterdam.

Nickel-plated … Read more Documented early-production Giso floor lamp, model 451, designed by Dutch modernist Willem Hendrik Gispen. Circa 1929. Manufactured in Rotterdam.

Nickel-plated brass tube stem with weighted base. Adjustable arc with conical nickel-plated reflector and fabric shade. All metalwork retains original patina—unpolished, showing 95 years of authentic aging. The base features characteristic radial groving from period lathe-finishing, a Gispen detail seen across his early metal production.

Height adjustable via top butterfly screw mechanism. Nickel-plated brass construction throughout. Fabric shade with botanical print in period-appropriate coloring (linen or cotton blend, hand-stitched to reflector cap). Single socket, rewired to current electrical standards.

The stem features a small circular hole mid-shaft, a period manufacturing mark. This aperture is consistent with lathe-fabrication holdfast points used during production—the stem was likely secured here during turning and finishing. No functional purpose in the assembled lamp; the height adjustment operates entirely through the butterfly screw at the head. This detail confirms original 1920s-30s production methods and is absent from later reproductions.

The fabric shade is likely a later replacement, probable dating 1940s-early 1950s. Original woven shades on Giso lamps rarely survive; this example is hand-stitched in correct period materials and construction methods. The botanical textile and muted colorway are entirely consistent with late-1930s to 1950s domestic furnishing textiles.

The Giso lamp line launched in 1926 and quickly became foundational to early Dutch Functionalism. Unlike Gispen's signature opal-glass designs, the model 451 represents his "traditional" line—cone shades with woven textiles for domestic and office interiors. Production moved from Rotterdam to Culemborg in 1934. Fewer survived than the glass versions; most fabric examples deteriorated or were replaced.
Condition
Structurally sound and fully functional. Patina consistent with age—characteristic matte silver-grey finish from aged nickel plating, light scratching on stem, expected wear to base. Fabric shows minor creasing and light fading. No restoration or repainting to metalwork.

Documented through Wikimedia cultural heritage archive (WLANL collection). I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
misattribution,
European Plug (up to 250V).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less