Foldable Diabolo Wall Lamp

Materials: Rectangular black painted iron wall mount. Brass parts. Black painted articulating brass rods. Yellow painted aluminium diabolo lampshade in two parts, painted white inside. The lampshade is perforated with pentagonal stars. 2 brass B22 sockets.

Big Lampshade: ∅ 34 cm / 13.38”

Small Lampshade: ∅ 13 cm / 5.11”

Total Width Lampshades: 25 cm / 9.84”

Wall Mount: 13 x 5 cm / 5.11 x 1.96”

Total length: 100 cm / 39.37”

Arm: 80 cm / 31.49”

Electricity: 2 bulbs B22, 2 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred. 

Period: 1950s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: Raymond Lunel.

Manufacturer: Maison Lunel, Paris, France.

Other versions: This foldable diabolo wall lamp exists in several colours. Some slight variations exists.

In 2019 Lunel relaunched the production of this lamp in a limited and numbered edition. You  can find it on their website.

Maison Lunel

Ets R. Lunel, later in time it changed into Maison Lunel was founded by entrepreneur Raymond Lunel. He began his career by opening a small electricity store in the rue Fontaine, Paris.

Raymond truly began his career in the 1950s by opening his “Royal Luminaire” factory in Montreuil. He undertakes to publish his lighting designs in series, and shares his passion with renowned designers Renée Mathieu, Robert Mathieu and Pierre Guariche. Raymond Lunel passed away in 1978.

Today, granddaughter Agathe Lunel perpetuates the spirit of Maison Lunel by undertaking the reissue and modernisation of Editions Lunel. After having undertaken studies of applied art, Agathe gives life to the story of her grandfather, reinterpreting the great iconic classics of the 50s, starting with this foldable diabolo wall lamp. It was the first design by Raymond Lunel.

Diabolo

Diabolo is the name given to the shape of the lampshade. The diabolo lampshades were very popular in the 1950s. You can find several examples on Vintageinfo. The Stilnovo company named their versions Megafono.

The diabolo, some yo-yo, has its origin in China. It’s a double-coned bobbin that can be twirled, tossed, and caught on a string secured by two sticks, one held in each hand. The first diabolo’s were made of bamboo and they made some whistling sound.

In the eighteenth century, the diabolo became known in England and France. The term “diabolo” was made up by French engineer Gustave Phillippart, who developed the modern diabolo in the early twentieth century and he was re-released. Since then, he has been widespread.