La Lampe Gras - an icon of the 20th century
Back in 1922, Bernard-Albin Gras designed a series of lamps intended for use in offices and industry. The GRAS lamp, as it was later called, was totally unique with its simple, robust and yet very ergonomic design. The basic shape has no screws or welded joints. Today, the La Lampe GRAS lamp has become a sought-after collector's item all over the world, especially in France, the USA and Japan. Bernard-Albin Gras' talented and visionary design has proven to be timeless.
*Read more about Lampe Gras at the bottom of this page.
Bernard-Albin Gras was one of the most innovative designers to "visit" the 20th century and left a solid mark that we can still enjoy today. The functional and aesthetic exudes from his lamps and especially the design of the individual details such as the arms, bodies, brackets, joints and feet were fantastically original, well thought out and way ahead of their time. Le Corbusier was seduced early on by the modern design and extensive user-friendliness of the lamps and became one of Bernard-Albin Gras' most enthusiastic supporters. The lamps could be found in Le Corbusier's own office, but they were also used in many of his projects around the world.
Others, such as Robert Mallet-Stevens, Jacques Emile Ruhlmann and Eileen Gray also jumped on the bandwagon. Famous artists who used La Lampe GRAS lamps in their studios include Sonia Delaunay and Georges Braque. This is probably the first time a lamp ended up being as popular in the professional environment as in private homes.
DCW - La Lampe Gras - Bernard Schottlander
Philippe Cazer and Frédéric Winkler's own words about the thinking behind DCW.
"DCW was created out of our passion for objects. objects that accompany us and follow us in everyday life. Objects that are reliable, honest and accomplished with the essential touch of perfect craftsmanship.
Objects that are perfect in their kind and type but also exude a beauty and architectural generosity. A desire and urge to treat the object with respect must arise and then the goal is that over time a bond will be created ... a connection to it ... a way of living and a way of seeing."
DCW has the Mantis series from Bernard Schottlander and the exciting La Lampe GRAS.