Unlike most Italian designers that we can categorize in the mid-century design period, Albano Poli remains to some extent shrouded in mystery. This doesn’t mean that there is nog information about his persona but his work is rarely represented in design books and that is completely unjustified. His work from the 1970s already has a large number of admirers and vintage design enthusiasts have probably come into contact with his lamps at some point.

Albano Poli founded his company in Verona in 1953, where he realizes all kinds of projects involving glass. The passion and knowledge from artistic stained glass to various accessories quickly grew into standards of world-class quality. In 1970, the PoliArte line was created, which focuses solely on lamps.This specific table lamp has its origins in that period and has the unique charm that is so characteristic for Poli.

Design

The fundament of the lamp consists of a metal base with the original rubber caps on which the lamp rests. The metal base is covered by a brushed aluminum shade that is curved at the corners. Tightly attached to the aluminum, there are nine glass parts that form the cube-shaped lamp. There is half a centimeter between each part and unlike many other models, no metal spacers are used here, but an opening with a raised edge is made in the center of the glass. This creates space between the parts and allows light to escape through two openings on both sides.

Only the top part is very subtly light green in color and thinner than the other glass. The bubbles captured in the glass are beautifully visible and form a decoration that spreads diffusely. The other eight glass square parts are fuller in shape and show an orange glow and slope at the edges. As soon as the light is ignited and shines through the glass, a sense of warmth is created, resulting in an unprecedented atmosphere.

Condition

This object has minimal traces of use. The lamp is easy to lift from the base to replace the light source if desired.