The heavy thick glass on the pair of pendant lights (‘Bead and Top’ 2009) by Tom Dixon (top) majestically encircles the G9 halogen bulbs whose lights are distorted by the density of the glass and the ridges on the inner ‘case’. ”I am still mainly motivated by materials and processes”  Dixon has said and here references to the industrial process are made by the globules within the blown glass.  The resulting sense of volume and mass are unmistakable and are further emphasized by the slim and rigid electrical cord. The play of light is playful but grounded.

We were struck by the dramatically different effect Max Ingrand created with these mid-century lights ( model 2259 from 1955) in patinated brass with polished glass drops for FontanaArte (of which he was artistic director). The play of light here is far more ethereal and subtle, emphasized by the oval cut-out  and the teardrop form. The blue glass on the top of the pendants slowly gives way to a clear glass. All is smooth, elegant and tapered without a hint of industrial or technical reference.

Which do you prefer…..?!

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