Fontana 1853 Table Lamp

Overview

The Fontana 1853 (called simply Fontana in the sheet's text) is the table lamp designed by Max Ingrand for FontanaArte. The product page and the spec sheet both say it was designed in 1954 by the French master glassmaker and decorator, originally named 1853 and later Fontana, in homage to the company of which Ingrand was artistic director for a decade. It is made in three sizes (Small, Medium and Large).

Construction

The diffuser and the base are made of blown glass with a satin finish, on a painted metal frame. The base and the lampshade each contain one or more light sources, and a double light switch lights the diffuser and the base separately. The cable, plug and switch are black; the light is diffused and not dimmable, and the bulb is not included.

Specifications

• Medium (SKU F185305100BINE): Ø 32 cm × H 53 cm; sources E27 + E14 on the page (spec sheet: 1 × max 100 W E27 + 2 × max 30 W E14)
• Other sizes: Small Ø 20 × H 34 cm; Large Ø 47 × H 78 cm
• Supply: 220-240 V, IP 20, Class II; CE and EAC
• Colour on the page: white

Designed in 1954

The design dates to 1954, and Max Ingrand is the famous French master glassmaker and decorator. The lamp was first named 1853 and later Fontana, in homage to the company, and 1853 remains a sort of nickname for design enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the brand's history.

Light in the base

Fontana is the first symbol of a timeless object of design, still a best seller and an evergreen design icon, and the abat-jour par excellence. Its peculiarity is its multiple light sources, in the base and in the lampshade, which serve different needs: a soft, relaxing glow, a sharp beam for reading, or ambient light.