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Podcast: Robert Sonneman: “If You’re Looking at Architecture Trends Then You Are Yesterday’s News”
Vintageinfo
Many thanks to Frank from nullviernull raum+kommunikation for the beautiful pictures and enthusiasm. You can find his shop over here on Ebay.
Sonneman Orbiter Floor Lamp
Materials: White painted round metal (iron) base. 3 chrome rods. White painted connector. Ornamental chrome adjustment screw. White painted metal counterweight. White painted adjustable aluminium eyeball lampshade. Chrome reflector. Metal E14 socket.
Height: 170 cm / 66.92”
Width: 128 cm / 50.39”
Base: ∅ 30 cm / 11.81”
Electricity: 1 bulb E14, 1 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred.
Period: 1960s – Mid-Century Modern.
Designer: Robert Sonneman.
Manufacturer: LUCI illuminazione d’interni, Milan, Italy.
Other versions: The Sonneman Orbiter floor lamp exists in several colours. It was made in several variations. Made with 2 and 3 lampshades. This floor lamp is a version produced in Italy, as you can see.
Robert Sonneman
Robert Sonneman, born in 1942 in New York, USA, started his career in 1961 at a the George Kovacs lighting store in Manhattan, he was only 19, he was the sole employee.
He designed is first lamps at the age of 21. Kovacs introduced him to Modernism: the European minimal style. He designed lamps completely different than al the other lights produced in the US, also by his parents who manufactured traditional lighting and normal lamps.
Robert Sonneman started his own company in 1967 and designed many famous lamps such as this Orbiter. His favourites are Big Mack, Bankers Lamp, Feather, Floating Glass, L’arc, Plinth, Quattro and Vienna. Robert Sonneman sold his company in 1982, but still designs lighting.
LUCI illuminazione
LUCI illuminazione d’interni (indoor lighting)” was founded in 1966. Designers who have collaborated with LUCI are: Toshiyuki Kita, Giugiaro Design, Rodolfo Bonetto, Asahara Sigeaki, Francesco Brivio, Carlo Forcolini, Giancarlo Fassina, Ikaru Mori, Fabio Princivalle, Serge & Robert Cornelissen, Gabi Peretto, Gianfranco Frattini and many others. For a while the name Luci Cinisello was used. It is the town near Milan where the company was located.
In 1989 LUCI changed into LUCITALIA. The company merged with Ghidini Lighting, founded in 1974. Ghidini Lighting is an Italian company specialised in the design and production of technical outdoor lighting fixtures. The company is located at the Via Monsuello 211, 25065 Lumezzane, Italy. Some 100 km / 62 mi from Milan.
Sonneman Orbiter Floor Lamp – LUCI illuminazione Manual
