3.02.2011

theodore waddell is a friggin' brainiac, part 2: lighting

"Light Sticks-Horizontal Model"
Participation Lamp
aka the "7+ Lamp"
Zanotta 
1971

This lamp was my 2nd experience with
Teddy Waddell.
I remember seeing it at a Pier Show
a million years ago
and marveling over it.
It was $375
and I couldn't even think about buying
such a beautiful
but pretty much useless lamp.
I kept going back and looking at it.
I finally sold.
I recently bought one in Italy,
in the box, with the instructions,
BUT,
only 4 of the little lights work....
Anyone want to sell me some?
Make me some?
They sit here in the center...

Then you place them on the "poles"
and voila!!!
Philip Johnson liked it.
The New York Times liked it.

There was a version of this model on
"The Pig"
(ebay) 
recently.
It finally sold after the seller got realistic.
Kinda bummed I didn't buy it....
These are cool,
but I like the one I have better.

"Candy Column Lamp"
1965
These are GREAT!
Man, where is this now?
"Candy Column Lamp with Discs"
This is a detail of another version.

"'M' Lamp"
1968
How cool is this?
Great photo too.
But it is the description that kills:
D.I.Y. TEDDY!
M is for Mary
Table top model.
I think I like the floor model better.
Drawing of the table top version.
Have I mentioned I love his drawings???

"Semaphore Participation Lamp"
1969
So 70s in every way....

Theodore Waddell
(with Dante Bandini)
"Il Quadrato"
1971
Tigamma

I posted this lamp before 
Nice shot.

"Il Globo"
Participation Lamp
1970
See what looks like a silver circle 
at the bottom of the plexiglas sphere? 
That is mercury.
When you move the light, 
you can make the mercury contact the
metal rods 
and that completes the circuit
and some (or all) of the bulbs light up.
FRIGGIN' GENIUS!
Love it.
I love mercury too.
I will have to do a post on 
my friend and mercury artist sometime soon....

"Dama Luce"
(Illuminated Checkers)
Participation lamp
1971
Kinda corny,
but I wouldn't kick it out of bed 
for eating crackers.
Speaking of which,
I will be posting Theodore Waddell
designed crackers tomorrow.
No shit!

Still loving his drawings.
This is of a magnetic lamp.

"SOFT WIRE DETAILS"
That's going to be the name of my next band.

Didn't somebody rip Teddy off with this one???
 Hum....
Great minds DO think alike, 
but who came first....
Arditi and Gianni Gamberini
or 
Teddy?
The Gamberini lamp dates to 1971
Teddy's to the same year.
Ok, who was rippin' who?
Anyone know?
Nice detail on the Gamberini.
(Photos courtesy of Wright20)

I kinda can't get enough
of these drawings.

This is going to be my next t-shirt design.

"Inflatable Lamp"
1971
Look at this freakin' thing!
The light source is sealed within.

"INTERACTION-- CHANGE THE DESGN YOURSELF"

"Lifesaver Lamp"
1971
Funny

More drawings of funny lamps.

"Thomas Alva Lamp, A Spoof"
1971
I included this for his studio stamp.
Pretty cool.
Wonder if he still lives in Florence?
Time for a visit!

Again,

4 comments:

  1. Holy moley, these are each more awesome than the next. Except for the 7+ lamp, which is just flatout the greatest.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i think i need a candy column lamp.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i meant i want an M floor lamp. the fondue pot lights crack me up.
    proportions are funny.

    ReplyDelete