Scandinavian Atomic Age Desk Lamp, B52, Orange Red Wrinkle Lacquer, Sculptural Tripod Base, 1950s
Highlights:
Manufacturer: EWÅ Armaturfabrik, Värnamo, Sweden
Model: B-52
Period: 1950s
Origin: Värnamo, Sweden
Style: Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, Atomic Age
Particulars: Sculptural three-pronged cast tripod base — the defining feature that separates the B-52 from all other EWÅ models; orange-red wrinkle lacquer throughout; the B-52 is the most sought-after and valuable model in the EWÅ Värnamo range
Ideal for: Desks, studios, Scandinavian and Atomic Age interiors, collectors of Swedish Mid-Century lighting
Description:
The B-52 is the most distinctive and most collectible lamp in the EWÅ Värnamo range — and the tripod base is the reason why. Where the standard EWÅ gooseneck lamp uses a simple triangular cast base, the B-52 stands on three sculpted cast prongs that radiate outward from a central hub in a form that is unmistakably of its era. This is Atomic Age design in its most direct expression: a base that looks as if it landed from orbit, finished in an orange-red wrinkle lacquer that makes no apologies for being noticed.
The wrinkle lacquer — applied uniformly across base, stem and shade — unifies the lamp into a single vivid sculptural object. The finish itself, achieved through controlled paint-shrinking, gives the metal surfaces a tactile depth and warmth that only improves with age. In orange-red it reads as both industrial and exuberant — a combination that captures the particular optimism of 1950s Swedish design at its most adventurous.
EWÅ Armaturfabrik, founded by Erik Wärnå in Värnamo, produced functional, high-quality lamps whose formal intelligence has made them enduring collector's favourites. The B-52 sits at the top of that canon — a lamp that transcends its function to become a period object of genuine character.
Condition:
The lamp is in very good vintage condition. The orange-red wrinkle lacquer is vivid and intact. The tripod base is stable. The electrical components should be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
Details:
Manufacturer: EWÅ Armaturfabrik, Värnamo, Sweden
Model: B-52
Period: 1950s
Style: Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, Atomic Age
Material: Lacquered cast metal (orange-red wrinkle lacquer), brass
Base: Sculptural three-pronged cast tripod
Socket: E14
Condition: Very good vintage condition
Note:
Please note: This item is a vintage lamp. It was manufactured many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards. Before use, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collectible/antique and not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.
WEE Nr.
70030832
Product Safety
This lamp is an original vintage piece. Prior to sale, a visual and functional inspection was carried out (cable, plug, socket, strain relief) as well as a test run. It has not been comprehensively tested in accordance with current VDE standards. Due to its age, the electrical components may pose risks (e.g. aged insulation, missing earth conductor). Before connecting to the 230V mains, it is therefore strongly recommended to have the lamp inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Use is at the owner's own risk.
Manufacturer
EWÅ Värnamo is a Swedish manufacturer of Mid-Century lighting, producing lamps in Värnamo since the 1950s. Characteristic features are compact wall and table lamps in brass and lacquered metal or glass, often with finely perforated shades and warm, directional light. The designs of EWÅ Värnamo are today considered sought-after examples of Scandinavian Mid-Century lighting design and are popular among collectors for their functional formal language and high-quality craftsmanship.