1970s Italian Space Age Rise and Fall Pendant Light

Description

A striking Italian rise and fall pendant light dating from the 1970s.

The large domed shade is formed in graduated smoked brown acrylic, becoming increasingly rich and amber towards the lower edge. A wide polished chrome band runs around the centre, with a contrasting opaline diffuser suspended beneath.

The light retains its original Italian Rolly rise and fall mechanism, allowing the pendant to be easily lowered over a dining table or raised back towards the ceiling. A simple chrome pull beneath the diffuser completes the design.

There is something particularly good about the proportions of this one. The oversized dome and deep graduated colour give it a strong sculptural quality when unlit, while the combination of amber acrylic and opaline diffuser creates a much warmer effect when illuminated.

The exact manufacturer remains unidentified. Rolly mechanisms were widely used by a number of respected Italian lighting manufacturers during the 1970s, and the materials and construction are entirely consistent with Italian Space Age lighting of the period. We prefer to leave the maker unattributed rather than make a speculative Guzzini or similar attribution.

A great piece of 1970s lighting and particularly suited to hanging low over a dining table.