The Timeless Elegance of Kaiser Idell’s 6631 Desk Lamp

Introduction

Every once in a while, a design comes along that transcends time and becomes an icon of its era. The Kaiser Idell 6631 desk lamp is one such design. Introduced in the 1930s, it has remained an object of desire for design lovers and collectors ever since. In this article, we will explore the history and design features of the Kaiser Idell 6631 and shine a light on what makes it so special.

History

The Kaiser Idell 6631 was designed by Christian Dell, a German silversmith, and metalworker. Dell was highly influential in the Bauhaus movement and taught at the Bauhaus School of Design in Weimar from 1922 to 1925 before moving to Frankfurt to lead the metal workshop there. It was during his time at the Bauhaus that he developed an interest in lighting design, and the Kaiser Idell range of lamps was the culmination of his work in this field.

The 6631 desk lamp was launched in 1931, and it quickly became popular thanks to its sleek and functional design. The lamp’s base, arm, and shade were made of steel, which was revolutionary at the time. The use of steel allowed for a thinner and more minimal design, which was essential for the lamp’s function as a task light. The original 6631 had a braided cord and a Bakelite switch, but later versions featured improvements such as an adjustable tilt mechanism and a clamping option.

Design Features

The Kaiser Idell 6631 desk lamp is a masterpiece of modernist design. Its sleek lines and use of materials are a testament to the Bauhaus movement’s principles of form following function. The lamp measures around 18 inches in height, and the shade is around 6 inches in diameter. The shade is attached to the arm with a ball joint, which allows for a range of movement to direct the light where it is needed.

One of the fundamental design features of the 6631 lamp is its stability. The base of the lamp is designed in a way that distributes the weight of the lamp evenly, making it stable and unlikely to tip over. The arm of the lamp is adjustable, which allows for a range of positions to suit the user’s lighting needs.

Another notable design feature of the 6631 is the use of a reflector in the shade. The reflector is designed to direct the light downwards and provide an even illumination. The reflector is made of polished metal, which adds to the lamp’s industrial look and feel.

Collectibility

The Kaiser Idell 6631 has become highly collectible in recent years, with vintage lamps fetching high prices at auctions and in specialist design stores. The lamp’s popularity is due to its timelessness and the fact that it represents the pinnacle of modernist design. The Kaiser Idell company ceased trading in the 1950s, which has contributed to the lamp’s scarcity and desirability among collectors.

In recent years, the Kaiser Idell brand has been revived, and the 6631 desk lamp is once again available to buy. The new versions of the lamp remain faithful to the original design but feature modern elements such as LED bulbs and improved wiring.