Swedish Modern Desk Lamp, Gnosjö Konstsmide GK14, Salmon Wrinkle Lacquer, Erik Wärnå, Småland, 1950s
Highlights:
Designer: Erik Wärnå
Manufacturer: Gnosjö Konstsmide Rydahls, Gnosjö, Småland, Sweden
Model: GK14
Period: 1950s
Origin: Gnosjö, Småland, Sweden
Style: Scandinavian Modern, Atomic Age
Particulars: Sculptural three-pronged tripod base in salmon wrinkle lacquer; designed by Erik Wärnå — the same designer behind the celebrated EWÅ lamp range; salmon is the rarest and most sought-after colour variant; Gnosjö Konstsmide was founded in 1942 by Gunnar Johansson and is today run by the third generation of the founding family
Ideal for: Desks, studios, Scandinavian and Atomic Age interiors, collectors of Swedish Mid-Century lighting and Småland manufacturing heritage
Description:
The GK14 by Gnosjö Konstsmide occupies a fascinating position in the history of Swedish Mid-Century lighting. Its designer, Erik Wärnå, is also the founder of EWÅ Armaturfabrik Värnamo — the manufacturer whose lamps have become among the most collected of the Scandinavian Modern era. That Wärnå's design language appears here under the Gnosjö Konstsmide name is a reminder of how closely interconnected the Småland manufacturing community was: shared designers, shared craft traditions, and a shared commitment to quality that the Swedish "S" quality mark formalised.
The GK14 follows the same design logic as the B-52 form that collectors know well: a sculptural three-pronged tripod base that radiates outward from a central hub with the unmistakable confidence of Atomic Age design, finished here in a salmon wrinkle lacquer — the palest and rarest of the colour variants produced. The wrinkle lacquer finish, achieved through controlled paint-shrinking, gives the metal surfaces a tactile warmth that only improves with age, and in salmon it reads as softer and more intimate than the more common orange-red, while retaining all of its sculptural presence.
Gnosjö Konstsmide was founded in 1942 by Gunnar Johansson — a former bus driver who left employment to produce forged decorative metalwork to the highest quality standards. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company produced outstanding residential lamps under the name Gnosjö Konstsmide Rydahls. The family business is today run by the third generation of the founding family — a continuity that speaks to the values embedded in every lamp they produced.
Condition:
The lamp is in very good vintage condition. The salmon wrinkle lacquer is intact and consistent across base, stem and shade. The tripod base is stable. The electrical components should be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
Details:
Designer: Erik Wärnå
Manufacturer: Gnosjö Konstsmide Rydahls, Gnosjö, Småland, Sweden
Model: GK14
Period: 1950s
Style: Scandinavian Modern, Atomic Age
Material: Lacquered cast metal (salmon wrinkle lacquer)
Base: Sculptural three-pronged tripod
Colour: Salmon — rarest production variant
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.
[TAB: WEE Nr.] 70030832 [\TAB]
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
Gnosjö Konstsmide Founded in 1942 by Gunnar Johansson in Gnosjö, Småland – a man who gave up his job as a bus driver to produce forged decorations to the highest quality standards. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company produced outstanding residential lamps under the name Gnosjö Konstsmide Rydahls – including the today sought-after designs by Erik Wärnå. The family business is today run by the third generation.