Commemorating its Centennial: The Wilhelm-Wagenfeld Light, Crafted in Bremen
A Timeless Piece of Modern Industrial Design: The WA24 Lamp
The WA24 lamp, a notable piece of modern industrial design, has roots in the Bauhaus movement and is associated with the designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld. This sleek, streamlined glass lamp, known for its minimalistic design and embodiment of modernist principles, has gained iconic status in table lighting.
The development of the WA24 lamp can be traced back to the Bauhaus era and Wagenfeld’s pursuit of functional, minimalistic lighting design with glass as a primary material. The lamp, originally produced in 1924, is now known as WA24 (Wagenfeld 1924). Initially, only 250 lamps were produced, with all technical changes approved by Wagenfeld.
The WA24 lamp's production and authorized manufacture are overseen by Tecnolumen, a company based in Bremen that specializes in producing and distributing classic modern lighting designs. Tecnolumen is the only manufacturer authorized by Wagenfeld and his family to produce the lamp. Businessman and art collector Walter Schnepel, who discovered the lamp in Wagenfeld's studio, founded Tecnolumen to produce it.
The materials used in the production of the WA24 lamp are designed to last forever, ensuring the longevity of this historically significant design. The 28 components for the WA24 lamp come from Europe, mainly from Germany. The glass shade for the WA24 lamp is mouth-blown in small glassworks in Poland and Slovenia, adding a touch of artisanal craftsmanship to each piece.
The WA24 lamp is one of the most frequently counterfeited design objects. However, Tecnolumen's commitment to authenticity and quality manufacturing ensures that the legacy of this Bauhaus-inspired lamp is maintained. The company has developed into one of the best-known producers of Bauhaus originals.
The first Wagenfeld lamp came to Bremen in the 1920s, and after various transfers, it is now a permanent loan in the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House in Bremen, which considers it as the star piece of their collection. Wagenfeld, a product designer from Bremen, completed an apprenticeship as an industrial draftsman and a silversmith before being accepted at the "State Bauhaus" in Weimar in 1923.
In 1924, Wagenfeld designed the MT8 lamp, now known as one of the most famous Bauhaus objects. The WA24 lamp's production did not increase significantly until the 1980s. Today, the WA24 lamp continues to be a testament to Wagenfeld's innovative design, embodying the principles of the Bauhaus movement and offering a timeless piece of modern industrial design.
The WA24 lamp's production and maintenance is managed by Tecnolumen, a company specializing in producing and distributing classic modern lighting designs. This company, based in Bremen, is the only manufacturer authorized by Wagenfeld and his family to produce the lamp.
The development of the WA24 lamp can be traced back to the Bauhaus era and Wagenfeld’s pursuit of functional, minimalistic lighting design with glass as a primary material, demonstrating the integral role of technology in shaping this iconic design.
