Vintage table lamp by André Ricard for Metalarte, Spain 1973

For sale is an early example of this rare table lamp by André Ricard, for METALARTE, Spain, circa the early 1970s. The lamp consists of a rotating head comprised of a circular chrome block, with a mounted switch and flanked by two metal shades, all of which pivot 45 degrees in both directions from the base which is made up of two 'L' shaped feet. The lamp is in good vintage condition, has the Metalarte logo stamped into the chrome segment, works well and retains its original switch. Of note, there are a couple of scrapes on the shades and some marks and general wear to the coating on the base (see photos) but nothing to detract. This reading lamp is sometimes referred to as the "Library" lamp, as the design was later revised for the library of the Philosophy Faculty of Barcelona University. Conceived by André Ricard and intended for “executive desks”, where not only good focal light was required when going through extensive paperwork, but also the fact that, in the face of visitors, the view of those who sat in the confidants’ chairs should not be obstructed by a large or ostentatious lampshade. The lamp fulfils both purposes seamlessly and looks fabulous as a centrepiece in a contemporary setting. Metalarte was born as a metalwork workshop, founded by Antonio Riera Clariana in 1932 under the name of Metall Arts. At the beginning of the 1940s, it began designing and manufacturing lamps, but it wasn't until the end of the 1950s that it began to define the modern and innovative character for which the firm is known, under the influence of the flourishing scandinavian design of the moment. Starting in the sixties, they began to work with external designers who would become great names in Spanish industrial design, such as André Ricard, Enric Franch, Joan Antoni Blanc or Josep Lluscà, establishing themselves as a benchmark in the lighting sector and pioneers of Spanish design. Reference : 308873