Temde-Leuchten

Temde-Leuchten, also known as Temde AG, was a German-Swiss manufacturer of lighting fixtures, with its main seat in Detmold, Germany, and a Swiss branch in Sevelen, in the canton of St. Gallen.

The company was founded in 1911 by Fritz Müller (1889–1964), the son of a furniture maker from the Lippe region. The name TEMDE was derived from Theodor Müller, the founder’s father, combined with Detmold.

In its early years, Temde specialised in wooden lamps. The combination of electric lighting and natural materials suited the interior taste of the period and became an important part of the company’s identity. Besides residential lighting, Temde also produced custom lighting for hotels, restaurants, churches and other public buildings.

From the 1930s onwards, the company also produced lighting in more modern materials such as chrome and glass, although wood remained strongly associated with the brand.

In the post-war years, traditional wooden lamp production became more difficult because of material shortages and uncertain market conditions. Temde responded by developing new lighting concepts based on pressed wood, veneered elements and mixed-material constructions. By the mid-1950s, the company offered around 250 basic models.

During the 1970s, Temde increasingly moved towards a more modern style, with a stronger use of metal, glass and plastic.

Temde filed for bankruptcy in 1986. The Swiss branch, Temde AG, continued for some years afterwards and was removed from the Swiss commercial register in 2000.

Some designers who worked for the company include Charles Keller, Max Rutz, Wilhelm Vest, H. Zehnder and Eva Renée Nele.