Poltronova - Superstudio - Table lamp - Gherpe - Plastic

Icon of Radical Design: the desk lamp “Gherpe” by Superstudio for Poltronova

Presenting at auction a true luminous sculpture: the Gherpe lamp, designed in 1967 by the collective Superstudio and produced by Poltronova. This object is not merely a lamp, but a manifesto of avant-garde design that broke with traditional aesthetic codes to introduce a new idea of interaction between light and form.

Design and History: Beyond the form
Born in the fermenting creative context of 1960s Florence, the Gherpe is the perfect expression of Radical Design:
Shell / Structure: The lamp is composed of a series of petals or shells in Perspex (acrylic) that evoke the shape of a marine creature or an armored shell.
Modularity and Light: Thanks to the central top, the Perspex crests can be oriented and layered at will, allowing the user to modify not only the lamp’s form but also the intensity and diffusion of the light beam.
Historical Value: The Gherpe breaks with the rigidity of classic modernism to adopt organic and playful forms, becoming a fundamental piece of the Poltronova collection and of the international museum panorama.

Auction Condition of the Lot
The lot for sale is in excellent used condition with only light signs of use:
Materials: The Perspex retains its original brilliance and chromatic depth. The surface is smooth and shows no deep scratches or significant yellowing.
Mechanical: The petals’ rotation system is fluid and functional, allowing effortless reconfiguration.
Components: The lamp retains all of its original components, evidence of careful long-term conservation.

Dimensions
Width: 54 cm
Depth: 31 cm
Height: 38 cm

Acquiring a Gherpe lamp is to own a piece of “counter-current” design history. Its stage presence is extraordinary, capable of transforming a space with its vibrant light and futuristic silhouette.

The Designer: Superstudio
Founded in 1966 in Florence by Adolfo Natalini and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Superstudio was one of the most influential groups of global radical architecture. Their works aimed to question the role of architecture and design, offering utopian visions and objects with a strong symbolic and conceptual charge.

The Producer: Poltronova
Under the artistic direction of Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova became in the 1960s and 70s the quintessential creative laboratory of Italian design. The company dared to produce experimental and “out of the norms” pieces, collaborating with the most visionary designers of the century and creating icons now exhibited in the world’s top modern art museums, from MoMA to the Centre Pompidou.

Shipping and Insurance.
Our company ORVETT includes transport insurance in the indicated shipping costs."