1970s Flash: Lightolier "Jellyfish" Ceiling Fixture

 

Mid-century modern furniture continues to dominate the decorating scene. Pieces are selling quickly, the workmanship is usually high, and items can easily be mixed and matched with other design styles and furniture periods. Our friend, antiques industry spokesman George Evans, the entrepreneur behind Bond & Bowery, a great online resource for antiques and fine art, foun d a 1970s Lightolier "Jellyfish" Ceiling Fixture or us.

Design2Share: Tell us a bit about what attracted you to this fixture, George.

George: The organic style of this chandelier is its most unique feature, don't you think? The stylized “jellyfish” is a whimsical creation. The treatment is blissful, with a brass top and a four separate pods of colorless glass rods to complete the effect.

D2S: What do you think makes this lighting piece collectible or desirable?

George: It’s a form not often seen, and I would consider this a rarity especially since the fixture is 100% intact. Lightolier (now owned by Philips) is a collectible lighting company to begin with. They've been around since the turn of the century, from the very beginning of the lighting industry. That’s when lighting was strictly functional, and they helped bring innovative designs - function with style - to the entire market.

D2S: Any decorating tips for our readers?

George: This "Jellyfish" light would be great where one would need a stylish “flush mount” fixture. Being only 9 inches high and 12 inches in diameter, it's going to look great anywhere you put it. Note that this piece can also can transcend the "lighting" category, and can add an arts and crafts feel to your interior.

Thios would be great in the right powder or dressing room for starters. It would be perfect in a pool house, stairway, hallway, or over a small breakfast table. This is an ideal touch of whimsy for any chic environment you're creating.

D2S: Do you know anything of the Jellyfish's provenance?

George: This chandelier comes from Alexandria, VA based Bond and Bowery dealer Verdigris. Being a piece from the 1970s, this was commercially made of quality materials, brass and glass. Lightolier, thanks to innovative designs like this fixture, was able to change with the times - from the Edwardian age, through Art Deco, a long run with Mid-Century modern into 1970s styling, and then to more commercial lighting applications today. This is a great piece of vintage lighting to add to your collection.

For more info: Go to Bond & Bowery for more info and pricing on tne 1970s Lightolier "Jellyfish" Ceiling Fixture.

Matteo Grassi Leather Tuxedo Dining Chairs

Mid-century modern furniture is the hottest style out there, and we found some beautiful examples that combine Euro design with high craftsmanship. Our friend, antiques industry spokesman George Evans, the entrepreneur behind Bond & Bowery, a great online resource for antiques and fine art, found Six Leather Dining Room Room Chairs by Matteo Grassi for us.

Design2Share: Tell us a bit about why you brought these to our reader's attention, George.

George: I like the fact that there are six tuxedo chairs for extra holiday company. We don't often find some elegant, affordable dining room chair sets that you can easily store for holidays or dinner guests - or use as your everyday set. I thought that these were a perfect hard-to find set of chairs that would go with a Biedermeier, Art Deco, or modern dining table, too. They're a timeless design.

D2S: What do you know about the chairs provenance? Where were they made?

George: They come to us from Bond and Bowery dealer Rue Auber of Stonington CT. These 1970 leather chairs were created by Matteo Grassi, a Milan leather goods firm that opened up its shop as a saddle and luggage maker in 1880 (see photo below). The Grassi family created a company that has 100+ years of adaptation and continuous success, mostly in hand-crafted goods. Their high quality standards are exemplified by products like these chairs

D2S: Any decorating tips for our readers?

George: The chairs would be perfect in almost any interior, traditional or modern, since they're black, well proportioned, and seamless. Use them throughout a home: put a pair of chairs in your den or home office; have a few in your hallway as hall chairs; use them in your living room. No matter where they're put to use throughout the house, e.g. as a desk or side chair, bring them into the dining room for extra seating. Or you can use them in a kitchen, breakfast room, or dining room as your everyday set of dining chairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a set of six vintage chairs by an important Italian leather maker. I think these six chairs are preferable to buying new chairs as these are made with the quality of the past, ready for many more years of comfort and use.

For more info: Go to Bond & Bowery for more info and pricing on tne Six Leather Dining Room Chairs by Matteo Grassi.