The Story of the Designer
Vico Magistretti was a renowned Italian designer who was born in Milan in 1920. He came from a family of architects and designers, and he developed a deep passion for design at a young age. Magistretti studied at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where he received formal training in architecture and design. After completing his studies, he began working in his family’s design studio and eventually went on to establish his own design firm.
The Inspiration Behind the Eclipse Lamp
The Eclipse Lamp is one of Vico Magistretti’s most iconic designs. It was originally created in the 1960s and has since become a classic of modern Italian design. The inspiration for the lamp came from Magistretti’s interest in creating a form that was both simple and functional.
The name “Eclipse” comes from the lamp’s shade, which is designed to rotate around the light source, creating a unique play of light and shadow. This design was inspired by the movement of the moon during an eclipse, where the moon rotates around the earth, causing a similar play of light and shadow.
The Design and Features of the Eclipse Lamp
The Eclipse Lamp is a table lamp that stands at 43 cm tall. It is made up of a metal base and stem, which support a circular shade that measures 30 cm in diameter. The lampshade is made of methacrylate, a clear plastic material that is known for its durability and ability to diffuse light.
The Eclipse Lamp is designed with functionality in mind. The rotating shade allows the user to direct the light where they need it, while also creating an interesting play of light and shadow on the surrounding surfaces. The lamp also features a dimmer switch, which allows the user to adjust the brightness to their liking.
The Significance of the Eclipse Lamp in Design History
The Eclipse Lamp is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is an example of Italian design at its best. Italian design is known for its functionality, simplicity, and elegance, and the Eclipse Lamp embodies all of these qualities.
The lamp is also significant for its timeless design. Despite being created in the 1960s, the Eclipse Lamp remains as relevant today as it was when it was first created. Its simple yet functional design has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among design enthusiasts.
Finally, the Eclipse Lamp is significant for its influence on future designs. Many designers have been inspired by the lamp’s rotating shade and have gone on to create their own versions of this design. Vico Magistretti’s Eclipse Lamp has become an enduring archetype for modern lighting design.
The Eclipse Lamp in Contemporary Design
Today, the Eclipse Lamp continues to be a popular choice among design enthusiasts and is often featured in contemporary design publications and exhibitions. The lamp is highly sought after by collectors and can be found in many design museums around the world.
The Eclipse Lamp has also been reissued by Artemide, a leading Italian lighting manufacturer. The reissued version of the lamp remains true to Magistretti’s original design principles, while also featuring modern updates, such as LED lighting technology.
