George Nelson Bubble Lamps
An extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of architectural and design history, presenting a curated collection of authentic George Nelson Bubble Lamps that once graced the interior of the revolutionary Bavinger House in Norman, Oklahoma.
These iconic Mid-Century Modern lights were part of the personal collection of celebrated American artist Eugene Bavinger and his wife Nancy Bavinger, illuminating the spiral-shaped, award-winning home that they personally constructed. Their presence in the Bavinger House, a radical and influential structure that pushed the boundaries of organic architecture, connects these fixtures directly to a pivotal moment in American post-war design and art.
Featured Collection Includes:
(1) Large Saucer Pendant Lamp (Approx. 56-57 inches): The quintessential expression of Nelson's vision. This spectacular, generously-sized disc of soft light makes a profound architectural statement, casting a warm, enveloping glow across any space.
(2) Medium Saucer Pendant Lamps (Approx. 7"h x 19"w): A perfectly proportioned companion to the larger saucer, offering the same ethereal light quality in a versatile size ideal for creating a layered and cohesive lighting design.
(1) Medium Resin Pendant Lamp (Approx. 19-20 inches): A beautifully scaled lamp that provides focused yet soft illumination, perfect for accenting specific areas.
(1) Cigar Bubble Lamp (Approx. 10"w x 14"h): The elegant, elongated form of the Cigar lamp offers a distinct vertical element, contributing to a dynamic and sophisticated lighting arrangement.
Design Pedigree:
Designer: George Nelson (1908-1986), one of the founding fathers of American Modernism.
Original Manufacturer: Howard Miller Clock Company.
Original Design Date: 1947.
A Tale of Ingenuity:
Nelson's ingenious Bubble Lamps were conceived in 1947 after he sought an affordable alternative to costly silk-covered Swedish pendants. His solution was an industrial plastic spray (developed by the U.S. military for "mothballing" ships) applied over a lightweight, spherical steel-wire frame. The resulting design was a marvel of efficiency and beauty, delivering soft, diffused, and glare-free illumination that became an instant classic and a signature element of post-war interiors.
Condition:
As original fixtures from the Bavinger House, these lamps are offered in a preserved, vintage state, reflecting their age and storied provenance.
Own an unparalleled piece of design and architectural provenance. These lamps are not mere reproductions; they are artifacts of an artistic and design movement, bearing the subtle marks of their incredible history within the iconic Bavinger legacy.
(To be sold as a collection)
An extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of architectural and design history, presenting a curated collection of authentic George Nelson Bubble Lamps that once graced the interior of the revolutionary Bavinger House in Norman, Oklahoma.
These iconic Mid-Century Modern lights were part of the personal collection of celebrated American artist Eugene Bavinger and his wife Nancy Bavinger, illuminating the spiral-shaped, award-winning home that they personally constructed. Their presence in the Bavinger House, a radical and influential structure that pushed the boundaries of organic architecture, connects these fixtures directly to a pivotal moment in American post-war design and art.
Featured Collection Includes:
(1) Large Saucer Pendant Lamp (Approx. 56-57 inches): The quintessential expression of Nelson's vision. This spectacular, generously-sized disc of soft light makes a profound architectural statement, casting a warm, enveloping glow across any space.
(2) Medium Saucer Pendant Lamps (Approx. 7"h x 19"w): A perfectly proportioned companion to the larger saucer, offering the same ethereal light quality in a versatile size ideal for creating a layered and cohesive lighting design.
(1) Medium Resin Pendant Lamp (Approx. 19-20 inches): A beautifully scaled lamp that provides focused yet soft illumination, perfect for accenting specific areas.
(1) Cigar Bubble Lamp (Approx. 10"w x 14"h): The elegant, elongated form of the Cigar lamp offers a distinct vertical element, contributing to a dynamic and sophisticated lighting arrangement.
Design Pedigree:
Designer: George Nelson (1908-1986), one of the founding fathers of American Modernism.
Original Manufacturer: Howard Miller Clock Company.
Original Design Date: 1947.
A Tale of Ingenuity:
Nelson's ingenious Bubble Lamps were conceived in 1947 after he sought an affordable alternative to costly silk-covered Swedish pendants. His solution was an industrial plastic spray (developed by the U.S. military for "mothballing" ships) applied over a lightweight, spherical steel-wire frame. The resulting design was a marvel of efficiency and beauty, delivering soft, diffused, and glare-free illumination that became an instant classic and a signature element of post-war interiors.
Condition:
As original fixtures from the Bavinger House, these lamps are offered in a preserved, vintage state, reflecting their age and storied provenance.
Own an unparalleled piece of design and architectural provenance. These lamps are not mere reproductions; they are artifacts of an artistic and design movement, bearing the subtle marks of their incredible history within the iconic Bavinger legacy.
(To be sold as a collection)