Oscar Torlasco

OSCAR TORLASCO (Rome, 1934-2004) for Lumi
Counterweight lamp, 1950s.
Black chromed steel, brass and glass.
Measurements: 21 x 23 x 23 cm.

Mid-century suspension lamp designed by Oscar Torlasco, who specialized in this type of lamps of refined aesthetics combining metal and glass, often with a pulley system (like the one we show) that allows to regulate the height and contribute to the beauty of the design. The diffuser consists of a crown in gold metal to match the cylindrical counterweight.

Known for his lamps that diffuse a soft light through optical glass lenses, Roman designer Oscar Torlasco established himself in the 1950s and 1960s designing for several Italian companies specializing in lighting, such as Esperia, Stilux or Stilkronen. His most recognizable creations, such as the industrial-style lamps in brass and lacquered metal with adjustable light beams, are produced by the Milanese company Lumi (with which some of the great names of Made in Italy have collaborated, from Gio Ponti to Nanda Vigo), while Fabbrica Apparecchi Illuminazione Greco S.p.A. produces for Torlasco the Genova 4053 street lamp, with which he won the Compasso d'Oro in 1959. Metal, the common denominator of his pieces, is also used by Torlasco for lamps and chandeliers of a much more eclectic taste, generally combined with marble, Murano glass and crystal.