Michel Mortier

It is one of the very first luminaries of Michel Mortier that he conceived in 1951 at the same time as those of Pierre Guariche for the catalog ARHEC of Marcel Gascoin. Initially conceived as a wall lamp, the shell-shaped reflector is oriented around two brass legs fixed to the wall. It is thereafter that Mortier invents this magnificent base of intelligence, effectiveness, and simplicity. The simple movement of the rod on the floor gives it its stability and its ability to hang on the wall. This ingenious double function is typical of the research of the young designers of this time. The elegance of this piece comes largely from its simplicity, the rigor of its design and the proportion of the reflector in relation to the structure, but also from the great sensitivity, not to say sensuality, that emanates from the curves of this sinuous rod and its reflector.

Today, this lamp has become difficult to access and is non-existent on the market. Although it was designed for the general public, it has now become a collector’s item. In 1951, this lacquered metal object must have seemed very poor, very simple and very industrial for it to have sold so little when today only a few privileged collectors can boast of having had it in their hands!

Style: French Mid-Century.