Verona Witch Hat Pendant Lamp

Materials: White painted metal (aluminium) witch hat lampshade. White conical rubber top. Bakelite E27 socket.

Cord Length: 60 cm / 23.62”

Height: 30 cm / 11.81”

Width: ∅ 40 cm / 15.74”

Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred. 

Period: 1980s.

Designer: Ad van Berlo. 

Manufacturer: Knud Christensen Elektric A/S, Randers, Denmark.

Other versions: Made in several colours.

Ad van Berlo

This Verona witch hat pendant lamp was designed in the mid 80s by Ad van Berlo and it was named Xantippe. It was produced by Vrieland Design from The Netherlands. (Vrieland United Factories B.V., Goes, The Netherlands). It received an iF Design Award in 1987. this pendant lamp is labelled: Verona pendel, Knud Christensen Elektric A/S.  

In 1987 Ad van Berlo received an award for his desk lamp “Sweazy“, also produced by Vrieland Design. On the iF Design Award website he is wrongly named Ad van Beilo.

Knud Christensen Elektric A/S

Knud Christensen Elektric A/S started as a small wholesale of furniture, carpets and lighting equipment. The company was founded by Knud Lassen Christensen, in 1971. Ten years later, in 1982, the company changed name to Knud Christensens Agentur, Randers ApS and in 1984, Knud Christensen took on a partner, Sven-Erik Rasch Larsen and together they slowly expanded the company.

In 1998 the company re-located to the old railway station ‘Station-Denmark ApS’ in Kristrup, Randers. This led to the new company name, and Knud Christensen Agentur Randers ApS, became Station-Denmark ApS.

In 2001, Knud sold his share, and Sven-Erik Rasch became the full owner. His son Mikael Image Larsen joined in 2003, and the following year the company moved to Mariager. Mikael Bilde Larsen bought 50% of the company in 2005. So when his father retired in 2011 Mikael Bilde Larsen took over the company completely.  The company moved back to Randers at the same time, and now houses the old Kasernen in Randers.

Today they specialise in sourcing kitchenware, hardware and gifts.

Jørgen Buchwald

Regarding the lighting production, there is very little information to find here. All we know for sure is, that in 1974, the iF product Design Award was given to Knud Christensen Electrics for Model 8370 and the credited designer is Jørgen Buchwald (1933-2010).

Jørgen Buchwald also designed the controversial series of Danica pendant lamps in 1992 for Nordlux. According to the Louis Poulsen lamp company a copy of the PH series designed by Poul Henningsen and therefor an infringement of copyright. Nordlux won the lawsuit in 2008.

Vrieland Design

Vrieland Design produced many lamps. Their main designer was Ad van Beilo. He was also awarded for the Sweazy desk lamp in 1987. Ad van Beilo also designed lighting for Raak.

Vrieland Design received 2 iF Design Awards for designs by Ad van Beilo (Ad van Berlo, of course).

The company sold many lamps that were produced by other companies such as Massive from Belgium, Yamada Shomei from Japan and many others.

Vrieland Design was active from the late 70s until the 90s.

Similar pendant lamps in a party room near Antwerp, Belgium (2016).