There are few pieces of industrial design that wear age quite as well as a Jieldé.
Jean-Louis Domecq designed the original lamp in Lyon in 1950 after failing to find a workshop light robust enough for the job. His solution was brilliantly pragmatic: a heavy metal lamp that could be endlessly articulated, with electricity carried through the joints rather than vulnerable wires threaded through them. Jieldé — a phonetic play on his initials, J.L.D. — was established in 1953, and the lamps soon became fixtures of French factories, workshops, drawing offices and architects’ studios.
This pair have clearly had a life before reaching us, and are considerably better for it. Decades of use have worked across the metal, leaving the shades with a dense, freckled surface of oxidation, rubbed steel and old finish. The aluminium joints have softened to a dull silver and the original green and white Jieldé badges remain riveted in place. Nothing feels precious or overly restored; they still have the character of working objects.
They are a pair in spirit rather than twins. There are small differences between the two: one retains a white-painted interior to its shade while the other has been taken back to raw metal and given a waxed finish. One also has a small thumb switch incorporated into the wall mounting plate. We rather like the discrepancy. Industrial fittings were made to be used, altered, repaired and put back to work, and the slight variations give each lamp its own identity.
The engineering is still the real pleasure. Each lamp has two articulated joints between wall plate and shade, allowing it to fold closely against the wall or swing out and be directed precisely where required. The domed reflector itself can also be tilted and rotated within its distinctive circular wire guard. Domecq's original design was conceived specifically around this ability to repeatedly reposition a light without compromising the electrical connection — function dictating form rather beautifully.
Mounted together, they have a wonderful architectural quality: two small pieces of French workshop machinery punctuating a wall. Either side of a bed would be particularly good, but equally above a kitchen worktop, along a hallway, beside shelving or wherever a pool of directed light is wanted. They can be posed quite tightly and discreetly, or allowed to jut out into the room with rather more attitude.
We would ideally like to keep them together. They have acquired different histories but somehow ended up making a very good pair. We would, however, consider selling them individually — please get in touch.
Priced individually.
Dimensions
Full Projection 40 cm
Shade width 20 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition with substantial age and wear throughout, forming an important part of their character. The shades retain extensive oxidation, rubbing, marks and surface variation. Aluminium components have further scratches, marks and oxidation consistent with their original industrial use.
The two lamps vary slightly in finish and specification, as described above. One shade has a white-painted interior; the other has a raw, waxed metal interior. One wall mounting plate incorporates a thumb switch. Original Jieldé maker's badges retained.
Please refer closely to the photographs for the condition and individual differences between the two lights.
Delivery
Qualifies as a smaller item. UK delivery via insured courier/FedEx at checkout; international shipping available—ask for a quote.
