Floor Lamp Model "541"
Manufactured by Ateljé Lyktan
Sweden, 1940s
Metal, Brass

Measurements
50 x 20 x 165h cm
19,7 x 7,9 x 65h in

Provenance
Private Collection

Literature
Brunnström, L. (2007). Swedish Design: A History. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Romanelli, M., & Severi, S. (2012). Scandinavian Modern Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide. Milan: Silvana Editoriale.
Englund, M., & Malmsten, T. (2010). Scandinavian Modern: Interiors and Furniture of the 20th Century. New York: Rizzoli.

Biography
Hans Bergström (1910–1996) was a Swedish architect and designer known for his significant contributions to lighting design in the mid-20th century. Born in Karlshamn, Sweden, Bergström developed an early interest in craftsmanship and design. After completing secondary school in 1927, he joined Ystad-Metall, a renowned metal manufactory, where he honed his skills designing various functional objects, including lamps, mirrors, and decorative items.

In 1929, Bergström pursued formal education at Stockholm’s Konstindustriell Skola (now Konstfack), Sweden’s leading school for applied arts. For his thesis project, he designed a striking chandelier for a church in Iggesund, showcasing his early talent in blending functionality with artistic expression. After graduating in 1933, Bergström briefly returned to Ystad-Metall before founding his own lighting firm, Ateljé Lyktan, in 1934 in Helsingborg. By 1935, he and his wife Vera relocated the company to Åhus, where it became a cornerstone of Swedish lighting design, later complemented by a showroom in Kristianstad.

Guided by the philosophy, “Light must be white and shine freely,” Bergström became known for his modern yet highly functional designs that illuminated entire spaces. As Ateljé Lyktan’s creative director for over three decades, he was instrumental in the company’s success, serving as its sole designer until the early 1960s. Many of his pieces were one-of-a-kind, individually numbered but not named, reflecting his commitment to originality.

In the 1940s, Bergström’s designs evolved to include the era’s popular “cage lamps,” which often featured organic motifs. Notable examples include Model No. 3 (1930s) and Model No. 5C (1940s). During World War II, he adapted to material shortages by introducing fabric lampshades as an alternative to metal. In the post-war period, with the advent of plastic materials, Bergström further experimented with innovative lighting techniques, ensuring his designs remained both cutting-edge and versatile.