italian readymade.
Sold, sorry.
The term ‚readymade‘ was first used by French artist Marcel Duchamp in 1917 to describe the works of art he made from manufactured objects. The concept was based on the idea that even the selection of an object can be a creative act (today we often speak of „curation“). This basic idea of making something new out of everyday or found objects was radical for the art world at the beginning of the 20th century. But also an attractive concept for designers: From Ernö Goldfingers interiors in Hampstead Heath up to the shopping cart chair „Consumer’s Rest“ (Stiletto, 1983) – or even todays‘ ideas of re-use to save natural ressources.
From there Milan‘ brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni developed some of the most famous icons of Italian design: The Toio Floor lamp is one of them (and you may also have seen the ‚Snoopy‘ lamp or the ‚Mezzadro“ tractor seat). The Toio’s industrial design combines a car headlight and parts of a fishing rod. It’s simple, practical – and fun to view at. The height adjustable lamp provides indirect light by illuminating the ceiling, the „rod“ itself is held upright by a simple steel frame, the rod rings are guiding the electrical cord, coming up from the transformer at the base.
Toio floor lamp, Brothers Castiglioni 1962 for FLOS S.p.A. lighting company
