Tonone Wall Lamp

Wall lamp based on the principle of mechanical construction: TONONE lamps possess an industrial appearance and consist of precisely worked components with a finely-structured, powder-coated surface. The simplicity of construction is impressive because omitting certain components, the simplification of detail and construction makes – as is often the case – a product which is both popular and accessible. A convincing lamp series, to a certain extent of radical and archaic simplicity, which also functions well, which is in line with requirements and without multidimensional joints or a sensory light control system. The construction is securely positioned on a cast iron base, has two perforated plates, enclosed ball bearings and joints with steel spring, which are opened and closed with a small tool for adjustment which is included in the delivery. The series includes the one or two-arm work or desk lamp with clamp or base, a floor lamp and a wall lamp with a shade which can be swivelled to the side and one with a rigid shade. All lamps belonging to the TONONE family (apart from the wall lamp with the rigid shade) are turned on and off via a push switch on the lamp shade.

The clever modular concept for the Tonone luminaires comes from the Netherlands. The creative mind behind it is Anton de Groof, who is neither a designer nor an engineer, but is enthusiastic about traditional mechanics and technology. Consequently, the design language of the lamps is that of a mechanical construction that does justice to the industrial manufacturing process and combines simplicity with spirit in a thoughtful way - which places them formally in the environment of Bauhaus and Werkbund. Remarkably, the luminaires are not only sophisticated, but also economically keep the all too rarely realized promise of industrial design to deliver technically as well as aesthetically high quality products at affordable prices.

All models in the series are constructed from identical parts that are always repeated. This starts with the heavy cast iron base, made in Belgium, and extends to the steel arm segments, which, like the aluminum shade, are covered with a highly reflective powder coating. Each joint is multiply adjustable thanks to five steel balls between two perforated discs with 23 holes - but only at angles that won't pinch your fingers or cause the lamp to tip. The enclosed adjustment key is reminiscent of old industrial luminaires. The Tonone luminaires are switched by a pushbutton switch located just outside the shade on the socket. The lampshades are open at the top and bottom, which allows them to shine downward light onto a surface to be illuminated and contribute upward to indirect room lighting.