Airone Floor Lamp by Olaf von Bohr for Ecolight/Valent, Italy, 1970

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Description

The exceptional "Airone" floor lamp, designed by Olaf von Bohr in 1970 for Ecolight/Valenti, Italy, features a tubular chromed metal … Read more The exceptional "Airone" floor lamp, designed by Olaf von Bohr in 1970 for Ecolight/Valenti, Italy, features a tubular chromed metal structure, a lacquered base and counterweight, and a wide, cylindrical shade made of cream-colored synthetic material.

The piece stands out for its extraordinary proportions and the sophistication of its mechanical construction, constituting a magnificent example of Italian lighting design from the 1970s, a period characterized by formal experimentation, the incorporation of new industrial materials, and the investigation of innovative functional solutions.

Its composition is based on a stylized vertical chromed metal support from which a long horizontal arm extends. This arm incorporates an ingenious counterweight balancing system, allowing the light source to be adjusted and the lamp to be adapted to different spatial configurations.

The relationship between the suspended shade and the counterweight creates a composition with a strong horizontal emphasis, in which the structural tensions take on extraordinary visual prominence. Despite its large size, the lamp conveys a remarkable sense of lightness and balance.

The 45 cm diameter shade features a clean, cylindrical profile that contrasts with the linear precision of the chromed structure. Its diffusive surface provides soft, enveloping light, while its essential geometry reinforces the piece's modern character.

The rectangular base and counterweight, both in a light tone, create a refined chromatic contrast with the reflective metal finish. This combination of materials and finishes achieves a remarkable balance between technical rigor and decorative elegance.

One of the most interesting features of the Airone model is its extendable and adjustable arm, designed to offer a wide illumination radius. Thanks to this system, the lamp can project its shade onto tables, seating areas, or large spaces, functioning almost as an independent architectural light fixture.

Olaf von Bohr was an Austrian-born designer who spent a significant part of his professional career in Milan. After his studies in Munich, he moved to Italy in 1954, where he worked in the studios of architects Gio Ponti, Antonio Fornaroli, and Alberto Rosselli.

In 1960, he established his own studio, developing a practice characterized by his interest in industrial manufacturing processes, new technologies, and the integration of mechanical solutions into everyday objects.

In the late 1960s, he began collaborating with Ecolight, a company associated with Valenti, for which he developed important lighting designs, including Medusa, Dafne, Conchiglia, and Airone.

Introduced in 1970, the Airone model reflects von Bohr's ability to transform a complex functional mechanism into a composition of extraordinary sculptural presence.

Its design is fully inscribed within the context of Italian modernism and the Space Age aesthetic, where technological innovation and compositional freedom allowed for a rethinking of traditional forms of domestic lighting.

with an approximate total length of 262 cm, this lamp is a magnificent example of large-scale architectural design, combining functional versatility, constructive precision, and a highly sophisticated aesthetic.

A unique piece of 20th-century Italian design, it is especially suited to contemporary interiors, architectural spaces, and collections specializing in designer lighting.

Dimensions:
Height: 205 cm
Total Length: 262 cm
Shade Diameter: 45 cm

Designer: Olaf von Bohr
Manufacturer: Ecolight / Valenti
Model: Airone
Origin: Italy
Year of Design: 1970
Period: 1970s

Materials: Chrome-plated metal, lacquered metal, synthetic materials, and opal acrylic diffuser

Colors: Chrome and cream/off-white
Style: Italian Design, Space Age, Mid-Century Modern

Condition: Very good overall condition, with minor signs of use consistent with its age.

Bibliography and documentation: The Airone model is identified in Valenti's official historical archive as a 1970 design by Olaf von Bohr.
European Plug (up to 250V).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less