Robert Sonneman Iron & Chrome Orb Floor Lamp for George Kovacs
About the Item
- Creator:Robert Sonneman (Designer),George Kovacs (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 52.5 in (133.35 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Newly Polished Chrome, Original Wiring in Working Condition, Shows Minor Wear From Age.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU971131044682
Robert Sonneman
Though Robert Sonneman was quite literally born into the lighting business, it took working for another celebrated lighting maker for him to land upon the kind of boundary-pushing modernism for which the New York–based designer is known today.
At the age of 19, fresh off a stint in the U.S. Navy, Sonneman responded to an ad for a position working in the studio of George Kovacs on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where he became the sole employee. “Although my parents were in the lighting business, they came from a traditional perspective, and Kovacs introduced me to modernism,” Sonneman once said. “It was 1961, and I was immediately captured by the movement.”
While working for Kovacs, Sonneman became captivated by the work of the Bauhaus, and he began experimenting with the influential art and design school’s ideas of functional simplicity in lighting. In 1967, he opened his own studio.
Though Sonneman Design Group produced furniture for a brief time, the designer eventually elected to focus on the one category that had always fascinated him; the brand became known for its floor lamps, sconces, pendants and chandeliers that feature unconventional treatments toward shape and balance, often inspired by modern architecture. Sonneman once said of his work: “I saw the lamps that I built as lighting machines that glorified the industrial aesthetic.”
Indeed, in the spirit of Bauhaus functionality — Sonneman has also cited Mies van der Rohe as being an inspiration — the designer’s work takes function-centric forms and motifs and elevates them while prioritizing technology. This spirit of forward thinking continues today, as Sonneman’s brand, renamed SONNEMAN – A Way of Light in 2003, works with LED bulbs to continue to push the boundaries of what functional lighting can achieve aesthetically.
Current-day releases by SONNEMAN – A Way of Light (still overseen by Sonneman himself) feature 95 percent LED lights and include interior and exterior lighting as well as modular suspended lights as an alternative to track lighting. Sonneman’s vintage pieces, however, are still widely collected on the secondary market.
Find vintage Robert Sonneman lighting on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Robert Sonneman "Lollipop" Chrome Table LampBy Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in Los Angeles, CARobert Sonneman "Lollipop" Chrome Table LampCategory
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century Modern Tripod Brass Floor LampLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid-Century Modern tripod brass floor lamp.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Expertly Restored - Laurel Sculpted Walnut & Brass Floor LampBy Laurel Lamp CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Brass Floor LampLocated in Los Angeles, CADimensions: 42.50in H x 16in W x 16in D. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and w...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut & Brass Torchier Floor LampLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut & Brass Torchier Floor Lamp ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Expertly Restored - California Modern Column Floor Lamp by ModelineBy Modeline Lamp Co.Located in Los Angeles, CADimensions: 59in H x 14.50in W x 7.50in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 24in W x 9in D ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is lik...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Reading Floor Lamp, 1990By Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in Port Jervis, NYFully adjustable reading lamp in bronze enamel by Robert Sonneman for Kovacs. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Lamp extends from 45 inches to 58 in height. This item...Category
1990s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsSteel
- Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Cast Iron Floor LampBy Robert SonnemanLocated in Delray Beach, FLAmazing cast iron 3 way floor lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs cast iron table lamp. Features three large bent rods forming the body.Category
1990s American Minimalist Floor Lamps
MaterialsIron
- Floor Lamp in Midnight Chrome by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA, c. 1987By Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in Deland, FLIntroducing a true American Modern masterpiece: a rare Post Modern floor lamp designed by the renowned Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Constructed from steel with a sultry midnight chrome finish this exceptional floor lamp swivels...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Lighting 1987 Silver Finish Floor Lamp AmericaBy Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in Miami, FLElegant adjustable Steel floor lamp in Silver Finish from the 1987 designed by Robert Sonneman and made by George Kovacs Lighting. Uses a Halogen bulb with max. 40 watts. Comes with ...Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsSteel, Iron
- Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Eyeball Floor Lamp in Orange Finish c 1970'sBy Robert Sonneman, George KovacsLocated in New York, NYCool post modern eyeball floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. The lamp features a ball shade which pivots, and tilts to direct the light, it accepts a standard s...Category
Vintage 1970s North American Post-Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Floor LampBy Robert SonnemanLocated in St.Petersburg, FLAn interesting floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, circa 1987. Very well made with polished brass, marble base, green tinted glass reflector. Comes with a foot ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass