Monday, October 15, 2012

Mid Century Wishlist - The Arco Floor Lamp


Designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni as a freestanding interior version of a street lamp, the aim was to produce a lamp so stunning that fixed lights would become obsolete. The Arco lamp has remained unchanged and the current production is exactly the same as the ones produced in 1962 with exception of an upgraded electrical system.

Achille Castiglioni in his Milan studio in the late '60s, reading under the Arco lamp he designed
with his brother, Pier Giacomo, in 1962
Love the skull and butterflies painting in the background and the chair and ottoman set
The curved stem of the Arco lamp is made of three pieces, all made out of stainless steel with a U profile that slide inside each other, like a fishing rod, the telescopic movement also conceals the electric leads. This gives more span to the arc, and enables the lamp to be set at three different heights. 

The bullet planters look familiar
The Arco lamp is available through Design Within Reach for $2,950, which is why it sits at the top our wishlist.

4 comments:

Nutbird said...

I had one of these in the early seventies. I moved to NYC in 1973 and probably gave it away in 1977. I don't think I had the original, just a copy because I don't think I paid more than $200 then. It makes a statement if you have the room. What is the secret project? Ann

KLS said...

Don't worry, I'll tell you all either way, if it works or if it doesn't. :)

Micheal said...

Waiting for Kari to find one on Craigslist listed under "old lamp." We have several projects in the works, thinking one will definitely test our creativity, but opting for some secrecy in case it doesn't work.

Arco Lamp said...

The Arco lamp was designed in 1962 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Inspired by street lighting, they attempted to provide customers overhead lamps without the problem of wiring.