It’s been over 100 years since the electric light first became available at Heal’s. Over the last century we have subsequently seen a plethora of innovative lighting designs land on the market. Some have been forgotten by time, but many are still crafted today.
We’ve selected ten of our favourite iconic lights that, above all, we believe demonstrate ingenuity and timeless design.
Reflect Table Lamp
By Verner Panton for Verpan
Sketches found in Verner Panton’s archive inspired the release of this classic design. Despite only entering production in recent years, the Reflect Table Lamp itself dates back to 1980. One of the most significantly important elements is the way Panton’s unique approach to colour and form are immediately recognisable.
Arco Floor Lamp
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
Seen in homes across the globe, the Arco Floor Lamp is, above all, a mid-century masterpiece. An urban streetlight reportedly inspired Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni to create the design. However, the luxurious marble base and gracefully curving silhouette couldn’t be further from the streets.
75 Desk Lamp
By Kenneth Grange for Anglepoise
Sir Kenneth Grange’s 75 Desk Lamp is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Anglepoise light from the 1970s. As a result, the functional lamp will delight generations to come. Furthermore, throughout the years world-renowned designers such as Margaret Howell and Paul Smith have reimagined the iconic light.
Bubble Pendant Light
By George Nelson for Herman Miller
A true mid-century design, George Nelson originally designed the Bubble Pendant Series in 1952. The design was inspired by a series of Swedish lamps draped in silk. As a result of their iconic status, the lights hold a place in the permanent collection at New York’s MoMA.
Akari Light Sculptures
By Isamu Noguchi for Vitra
Dating back to 1951, the Akari Light Sculptures are timeless luminaires by Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi. The lanterns that accompany fishermen during nights on the Nagara River inspired the iconic lights. Above all, artisans handcraft each light in the nearby town of Gifu using traditional washi paper. “Everything is sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.” Isamu Noguchi
Gräshoppa Floor Lamp
By Greta M. Grossman for Gubi
Pioneering lighting designer Greta M. Grossman created the Gräshoppa Floor Light in 1947. The iconic design takes its name from the way it resembles a grasshopper stalking its prey. Above all, Grossman is considered a central figure of mid-century design, having found her place in the male dominated industry. In addition, she is also credited with bringing the modern Scandinavian aesthetic to California.
14 Series Pendant
By Omer Arbel for Bocci
This future classic presents a wholehearted celebration of traditional glassblowing. That is to say, each orb is meticulously handcrafted to lend it a completely unique finish. We love this design so much we chose it to illuminate the Brewer Staircase at our Tottenham Court Road store.
Multi-Lite Pendant Light
By Louis Weisdorf for Gubi
Louis Weisdorf created the Multi-Lite Pendant in 1972, a period widely considered the golden era of Danish design. Most significantly, the pendant marks Louis Weisdorf’s move away from his standard design practices in favour of a diverse aesthetic. The light is consequently celebrated for its timeless expression and versatility.
BL5 Wall Light
By Robert Dudley Best for Gubi
The BL5 is one of the world’s most iconic lights. Designed during the end of the Bauhaus era, the light has been in continuous production since 1930. At first the BL5 was preferred by garages and engineers thanks to its adjustability. It subsequently grew more popular and Winston Churchill reportedly chose a Bestlite for his desk.
Pantop Table Lamp
By Verner Panton for Verpan
Above all, a bell-like shape and minimalist base define Verner Panton’s Pantop Table Lamp. The instantly recognisable light first entered production in 1980 but is crafted today by Verpan. Panton’s belief in the unlimited possibility of design certainly helped to inspire this iconic light. Shop All Lighting
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet’s Masters Chair is one of the world’s most celebrated designs. As part of the Heal’s Icons series, we delved a little deeper to discover the history of this iconic design.
Behind the design
In 2005, Philippe Starck designed the Masters Chair in collaboration with Catalan designer Eugeni Quitllet. The iconic chair boasts the innovative features and detailing the industry has come to expect from a Starck design, and is consequently a standout piece in the Heal’s collection.
This contemporary chair is a powerful tribute to three iconic chair silhouettes. Its shape re-reads and re-interprets Arne Jacobsen’s Series 7, Charles and Ray Eames’ Eiffel Chair and Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Chair. Individual elements from these three chairs are interwoven to create a unique hybrid design that fuses classic and contemporary design.
The Masters Chair is renowned across the globe and, in addition to winning the 2013 Red Dot Design Award, received the prestigious Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum in 2010.
The lightweight, stackable design is crafted from moulded, ultra-strong polypropylene that allows it to be used inside and outdoors. Its ergonomically designed backrest and comfortably curved seat mean it’s the perfect chair for dinging spaces and offices alike.
About the designer
French designer Philippe Starck is renowned for using innovative and unusual materials to create his statement-making designs. Throughout the course of his career, Starck has designed over 10,000 pieces of furniture, buildings and interiors.
“We were not born today. We had some great predecessors. The Masters Chair brings to mind the lines of three great masters and three great masterpieces. With them all together, they create a new product, a new project, a reflection of our new society.” Philippe Starck
The belief that clever design is perfectly poised to change the way we live drives the thought process for each furniture and lighting piece. Furthermore, Starck passionately believes design can improve quality of life for a wide audience, rather than just the elite few.
As such, he combines an array of materials to create versatile designs that can be used in a multitude of places. Included in his repertoire are designs such as the Ghost Chair, the KTribe Lamp and the Dr Yes Armchair. He is also the brains behind iconic hotels and restaurants, such as the anthropomorphic building Nani Nani in Tokyo.
Shop the Masters Chair
To celebrate the addition of Paper Collective to the Heal’s collection, we delved into what makes the brand tick. From sustainable paper to charitable giving, it is a truly inspiring brand.
Paper Collective was founded by Morten Kaaber in 2013 and crafts home accessories from its base in Denmark. Its portfolio includes a wide selection of wall art, versatile frames, and stationary that do good as well as look good.
Serious Dreamer by Loulou Avenue | Image courtesy of Paper Collective
Three principles
Its entire ethos focuses around social responsibility, sustainability and strong creative partnerships. As such, it reflects these principles in every piece it crafts, as well as in the everyday. By working in collaboration with designers, artists and illustrators from across the globe, Paper Collective helps to unite the industry. Most importantly, its collection features a range of mediums and includes graphic prints, photographs, drawings and more.
Mother by Peytil | Image courtesy of Paper Collective
Paper Collective designers
The Paper Collective team has its finger on the pulse so is always on the hunt for up-and-coming artists. Its collection of designers is ever expanding and includes individuals as well as design studios and duos. For example, Dutch visual artist LouLou Avenue, multi-disciplinary design studio Lemon and Norwegian illustrator Børge Bredenbekk. Above all, it forges strong creative partnerships with its artists and remains the first port of call for new designers.
Faberge by Peytil | Image courtesy of Paper Collective
A charitable focus
In addition to providing all-important support to the independent artists it collaborates with, Paper Collective helps causes close to its heart. For each print sold, a portion of the profits will go towards a worthy cause. Currently, its attention is focused on helping to build a school in rural Nepal. This institution will provide education to several hundred children whilst supporting the local community. Once it has completed the school, Paper Collective’s charitable mission will continue elsewhere.
I Think Not 01 by Børge Bredenbekk | Image courtesy of Paper Collective
The materials
Furthermore, each of its prints are presented on FSC-certified paper that has been produced locally in Denmark. The sustainably sourced paper is certified by the Nordic Swan eco-label, guaranteeing high quality and recognising its low environmental impact.
It crafts its collection of frames with equal dedication to the environment and the addition of pared-back Nordic design. With options in black aluminium and solid oak, the contemporary lines and meticulous finish of the frames means they stand apart from traditional designs. Shop Now
The new season is on our doorstep and is bringing a whole host of new designs with it. Over the last few months, we’ve been busy curating our brand new collection for the Autumn/Winter season. We’ve taken inspiration from the classic designs of the past to create two contemporary collections with enduring style – Deco Moderne and Modern Nostalgia. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the inspiration behind the designs and some of our most exciting collaborations to date.
DECO MODERNE
Our first collection, Deco Moderne, was inspired by the glamour of the Art Deco era and carefully blends 1930s influences with contemporary design elements. Touches of gold and delicate etching hark back to the gilded era while contemporary shapes and finishes give the collection a modern feel.
A key part of this collection is our exciting collaboration with London-based designer, Genevieve Bennett. Her Knot collection, which includes two mirrors, pendants and a rug, is the first of its kind at Heal’s involving a designer working across several categories. Her mirror designs feature intricate etching onto solid brass while her Deco pendant – Genevieve’s first foray into lighting design – combines linear detailing with an opaque, spherical bulb and glass cloche creating a piece with a vintage feel.
The Knot Rug demonstrates Genvieve’s instinctive command for pattern and her commitment to creating pieces which are timelessly elegant. Flowing lines loop together to form a distinctive motif which is enhanced by the contrast of shiny viscose detailing against a matte woollen finish.
The Deco Pendant and Knot Mirror by Genevieve Bennett
The Knot Rug by Genevieve Bennett
MODERN NOSTALGIA
Our second AW19 collection, Modern Nostalgia, harks back to the rich colour palette and intriguing styles of the 1970s. Darker earthy hues are offset by pops of teal, rust and fir green while dark wood and bottle green leathers bring warmth. Bold patterns and opulent materials come together to create a daring collection with a glamorous feel.
Lucy Kurrein’s new Isola Sofa slots in seamlessly to the AW19 Collection. Designed exclusively for Heal’s, this highly contemporary collection encompasses the sweeping lines and elegant silhouettes synonymous with Modern Nostalgia.
Lucy was influenced by natural landscapes such as the solitary floating islands that offer a place of refuge to passers-by. The sweeping lines and elegant silhouette are reminiscent of the large stretches of sand you find on a deserted beach, while the striking backrest conjures images of dramatic cliffs emerging on the horizon.
Its organic form also provides a beautiful contrast with the right angles of walls and ceilings, mapping out a different sense of space and changing the way we move through it. The small and large ottoman echoes the shape of the armchair and sofa creating a beautiful synergy between the pieces.
The Isola Sofa and Footstool by Lucy Kurrein
The Isola Armchair and Small Ottoman
To explore our AW19 Collection in full, click here.
As part of our ‘Sit Down, Stand Out’ exhibition taking place at our Tottenham Court Road store, we’re celebrating the iconic chairs that have shaped modern British design. One of those chairs is the 675 Chair by Robin Day (1952); a compact and supportive design perfect for any home office.
15 different versions are currently on display at our Tottenham Court Road store in an exclusive exhibition in support of The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation. Read more below and click here to view the live auction.
Who was Robin Day?
Robin Day (1915-2010) was one of the 20th century’s most acclaimed British designers. Throughout a seven-decade career, he brought contemporary design to a mass market at an affordable price and alongside his wife, textile designer Lucienne Day, he produced work that has left him synonymous with post-war modernism.
Robin belonged to the idealistic generation of designers in the 1950s that truly believed in the power of design to enhance people’s lives. He wanted to make great design available to all the world at an affordable price, experimenting with new and inexpensive materials.
He showed a passion for design from a young age and went on to win a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London. He found the course lacked enough focus on three-dimensional design but it was here that he met his wife, Lucienne.
Lucienne was a successful designer in her own right and later went on to become one of Britain’s most famous textile designers. She notched up more than 70 patterns for Heal’s including her famous Calyx fabric for the Festival of Britain in 1951. While Robin and Lucienne never went on to collaborate in the traditional sense, they largely shaped each other’s work by suggestion and discussion.
The 675 Chair
One of those designs was the iconic 675 Chair. Originally designed in 1952, the pared-down sculptural form embodied Robin’s design style – elegant with a natural sense of proportion.
In 2014, Case sourced an original production of the 1950s chair and worked alongside The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation (a design education charity set up by the couple’s daughter Paula in 2012) to develop a new model which had the same dimensions and proportions. Its lasting appeal is down to its elegant, minimalist designs which perfectly marries functionality, engineering and style.
The 675 Exhibition at Heal's
Nearly 70 years later, the 675 Chair yet again being reimagined but this time with the help of fifteen leading designers from the world of textile design. The selected participants have been invited to upholster the chair’s seat in their own original fabric to showcase some of the best British textile talents.
The aim was to help improve the future of young British designers by supporting the educational work of the Foundation through an exhibition at Heal’s, entitled ‘A Day to Remember’, and live online auction. The exhibition featured designs from recognisable names such as Eleanor Pritchard, Beatrice Larkin and Charlene Mullen to name just a few. Case also launched two new fabric options of their own which formed part of the exhibition.
Shop the 675 Chair
It’s that time of year again when we invite members of the press and interiors community to take an exclusive preview of our forthcoming collection. We chose the beautiful Mortimer House as our location and transformed their sixth floor into a stunning exhibition of room sets featuring the pieces heading to Heal’s in a few weeks’ time.
While our approach to design is always forward thinking and innovative, this season we looked to the past for inspiration. Our first story, Deco Moderne, was inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s.
Discreet metallic touches, tactile details and luxurious textures form the feel of the designs. In contrast, Modern Nostalgia has a feel of 1970s glamour, with darker earthy hues, bold patterns and opulent materials. Take a look at a few of the highlights below.
Sofas
Several new sofa designs will be joining our collection for the AW19 season. The new Bloomsbury Sofa is the signature piece from the Deco Moderne collection and features a softly curved back with wide fluted detailing on the back.
The Fitzrovia Sofa is a contemporary take on the traditional Chesterfield design and features wide scrolled arms and a deep buttoned back. This luxurious sofa has been meticulously designed to deliver a strong silhouette from any angle.
Lighting
This season’s lighting features new designs joining existing collections as well as fresh new pieces inspired by our chosen themes. Highlights include the new Globe Pendant range and fresh additions to our popular Kyoto range, including a 3 bar pendant, floor lamp and table lamp.
Rocca Table
The new Rocca Table is sleek and contemporary, boasting a beautifully finished solid ceramic top. Its hard-wearing, shock, stain and scratch resistant qualities make it perfect for entertaining, whilst the easy-to-operate Butterfly mechanism extends the space to seat up to 10 guests.
The Rocco Extending Dining Table, £2,399 and Bronte dining chairs, £399 a pair
Home Accessories
Our new collection of home accessories features a variety of decadent designs to evoke an opulent and nostalgic feel. New cushions feature vivid hand-drawn prints by London-based studio One Night Eight Five, alongside patchwork textiles from Ferm Living.
Also joining the collection is Louise Roe’s Balloon vase which will be available in clear, blue and amber hues as well as ceramic pieces from Lucia Fraser which feature an abstract graphic in a muted teal palette. Our new collection will be arriving in a few months time. In the meantime head over to our Instagram stories to explore all the action from the day.
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
Ed Heritage
As part of this season’s Heal’s Discovers initiative, we’re delighted to introduce Ed Heritage, an award-winning UK-based designer whose signature style of clean geometry and playful details is reflected in the beautiful lamp he created.
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