Ribbed Glass Table Lamp –

Ribbed glass table lamp round wood base brass bottom plate 1950s 1960s Massive

Ribbed glass table lamp top view opal glass lampshades brass arrow round wood base 1950s 1960s

Ribbed Glass Table Lamp – 1960s Massive Belgium Catalogue Picture

Ribbed Glass Table Lamp

Materials: Round brass base bottom. Round wood (teak) “dish” on top. Brass arrow. 2 curved brass rods. 2 white ribbed frosted opal glass tubular lampshades. Metal E14 sockets.

Height: 41,5 cm / 16.33”

Width: 19,5 cm / 7.67”

Electricity: 2 E14 light bulbs, 2 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used. But preferable a white/opaque one.

Period: 1950s, 1960s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: To be appraised.

Manufacturer: Massive, Mortsel, Kontich and Wommelgem, Belgium.

Other versions: The glass of this ribbed glass table lamp was used for many lamps. It is very similar to the glass Philips and Arredoluce used, but it is more curved. A comparable table lamp can be found here. This table lamp is model 12718. It appears in Massive catalogues of the late 50s, early 60s.

Massive

Origins and Early Growth (1926–1970s)

Massive started in 1926, when Pieter-Jozef De Jaeck founded a bronze foundry in Wilrijk, near Antwerp, Belgium. At first, the company focused on crafting traditional bronze items such as candlesticks, crucifixes, and chandeliers. Workers produced everything in-house using established casting methods.

As the market evolved during the 1930s and 1940s, Massive quickly adapted to meet changing consumer needs. Therefore, the company gradually introduced more functional lighting products for households. After World War II, demand for electric lighting surged across Europe. Consequently, Massive started combining classic design with modern electrical technology.

By the 1950s, Massive had earned a solid reputation across Belgium. Its lighting fixtures—often inspired by mid-century trends—were both affordable and practical. Moreover, they were widely available in hardware and furniture stores. Thanks to these qualities, they became a staple in many homes.

In the 1960s, Eddy De Jaeck, the founder’s son, joined the company. He introduced semi-industrial production techniques and optimized logistics. As a result, Massive transitioned from a craft-based workshop to a mass production company. This change laid the groundwork for international expansion.

International Expansion and Market Leadership (1970s–2000s)

During the 1970s, Massive expanded quickly. With Eddy De Jaeck at the helm, and later his sons Piet and Jan De Jaeck, the company grew into a multinational enterprise. To maintain affordability and scale up production, Massive shifted manufacturing to Eastern Europe and eventually to China. This strategy proved successful. As a result, the company remained competitive in an evolving market.

By the 1980s, Massive became a top brand in Europe. Its product catalog expanded significantly, including thousands of lighting options for indoor and outdoor use. Because the brand offered a balance between style, affordability, and functionality, it dominated in both Western and Eastern Europe.

In the Netherlands, Massive began operations in 1962. Furthermore, in 1969, the company opened Massive Gorinchem. This location served as the Dutch headquarters for over 40 years. Eventually, in late 2012, the headquarters moved to Eindhoven.

Ownership Changes and the Philips Takeover (2002–2010)

In 2002, the De Jaeck family sold Massive to CVC Capital Partners for around €250 million. This sale transformed the company into part of the new group, Partners in Lighting International (PLI).

Over the following years, PLI expanded aggressively. For example, in 2005, it acquired Modular Lighting Instruments. Then, in 2006, it added Trio Leuchten from Germany. By 2006, PLI marketed over 10,000 products under brands like Massive, Lirio, Trio, Aqua, and Cucina. The group employed around 5,000 people and operated in more than 70 countries.

In 2007, Royal Philips Electronics announced its plan to acquire PLI. The deal was completed in 2008. This acquisition strengthened Philips‘ position in the European home lighting sector. Shortly after the deal, all Massive stores in Belgium were rebranded as Light Gallery. By 2014, the Massive brand disappeared from shelves and packaging.

The End of an Era and the Move to Signify (2010–2024)

After the acquisition, Massive’s brand identity steadily declined. In 2016, Philips Lighting became a separate publicly traded company. Then, in 2018, the company rebranded as Signify. This shift marked a new focus on smart and connected lighting solutions.

Eventually, in April 2024, the Light Gallery website shut down. All content was redirected to Signify’s main platform. Although the Massive name no longer appears in stores, its legacy endures. Millions of homes across Europe still showcase its recognizable and practical lighting designs.