Tolomeo Tavolo

Overview

Tolomeo Table is the table version of Artemide's Tolomeo lamp, launched in 1987. Artemide describes it as a desk lamp for lighting the work surface and as a reading or table lamp for cosy, relaxing settings, built on a balanced-arm structure with an articulated arm and a spring mechanism.

Construction

• Arms: fully adjustable, articulated structure in extruded aluminium
• Joints and tension knobs: polished die-cast aluminium
• Tension system: internal springs and external control cables, both in stainless steel
• Head: stamped aluminium reflector, adjustable in all directions (tiltable and rotatable, 90° in both directions on the Artemide North America page)
• Base: weighted steel with stamped aluminium cover, Ø 23 cm (accessory A004030)
• Interchangeable supports: table base, clamp, desk fixed support or twin support

Specifications

• Length 780 mm × height 645 mm, base Ø 230 mm
• Maximum extension: height 1290 mm, length 1220 mm
• Code A001000, aluminium; LED retrofit source up to 12 W on an E27 socket; 220-240 V; IP20
• Also offered in black and white, and in integrated LED, presence-detector and tunable-white versions

Springs and cables

Artemide describes the Tolomeo's articulated arm system as relying on an innovative spring mechanism that lets the lamp be adjusted in height and tilt. Wikipedia adds that the springs are hidden inside the arms and attached to external steel tension cables, and that the original configuration was a desk lamp with a heavy base, two straight polished aluminium arm sections of about 45 cm each, and a matte aluminium reflector head that can swivel 360°.

Awards

Artemide's page says the Tolomeo has received numerous international awards, including the Compasso d'Oro; Artemide's page on Giancarlo Fassina gives 1989 for that prize, won with Michele De Lucchi.