Ode to the flexo
Of all the lamps of the world, the flexo is the most popular, long-suffering and useful you can imagine. It never fails, it looks good everywhere (offices, children's rooms, counters, workshops, studios...).
The flexo is a lamp that doesn't lose focus, it is functionality and rationality taken to the extreme, and it doesn't lose focus either, as it always points its gaze where it is of most interest. There are an infinite number of models, shapes and coloursbut they all have one thing in common, a flexible handle that allows the light to be directed where it is most convenient.
The lamp Anglepoise is considered the mother of all flexos. Designed in 1930 by George CarwardineThe car industry engineer, and mass-produced by the British company Herbert Terryimmediately became the world's most famous table lampselling non-stop to this day. A few years later (1937), Jacob Jacobsen acquired the patent and turned the design on its head to conceive the Luxo L-1But the source of inspiration remained the same: the human arm, with springs instead of counterweights to keep the articulating arm in position. Like its predecessor, this lamp is still in production, it is an icon of the Nordic design and has sold more than 25 million units worldwide.
Other famous models of flexo lamps include the lamp Tiziodesigned in 1972 by the engineer Richard Sapperthe father of numerous design icons and responsible for the worldwide success of the Italian brand. Brionvega.
We continued in Italy, and found the Bereniceof Alberto Meda and Paolo Rizzattodesigned in 1985 and winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro two years later (1987) for the innovative minimalism of its design.
These same designers also won in the 2008 edition with the model Mix (2005), a lamp that allows a choice between cold or warm light, but always with LED lighting.
We cannot forget the Ptolemyof Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassinaa contemporary of the Berenice and also winner of the Compasso d'Oro in 1989.
And many, many, many more... Although you should know that the most famous flexo lamp in the world is not Italian, nor did it win the Compasso d'Oro, and it makes us laugh out loud... What a thing.
