(Two Available)
A striking piece of Australian space-age lighting, this Kempthorne K911 cubic pendant dates from the 1970s and combines brushed metal, translucent amber diffusers and a compact geometric construction.
The design is characteristic of Kempthorne's later modernist work, when the Melbourne manufacturer was producing increasingly sculptural domestic lighting alongside its more traditional mid-century ranges. Kempthorne was one of Australia's most important lighting manufacturers, with an extensive history of experimentation with new materials, colour and manufacturing techniques. The company worked extensively with patterned and coloured glass and, by the 1960s and 1970s, had developed a sophisticated range of contemporary architectural and domestic lighting.
The K911 is particularly appealing for its almost architectural arrangement of four individual light modules. Each cylindrical brushed-metal housing terminates in a translucent amber geometric diffuser, creating a strong contrast between the restrained metallic exterior and the warm, glowing lower sections. When illuminated, the amber diffusers cast an unusually rich golden light while revealing the spherical globes within.
Its compact cubic form and exposed construction give it a distinctly late-1960s/1970s Australian modernist character, sitting comfortably alongside the era's fascination with modular forms, plastics, metal and coloured light.
Kempthorne's importance in Australian design has become increasingly recognised, with original examples represented in collections including the National Gallery of Victoria and Powerhouse Collection. The company's post-war design programme was led by industrial designers Joyce and Selwyn Coffey, whose work helped establish Kempthorne as a major force in Australian modern lighting.
A particularly good example of the more adventurous side of Australian lighting design — graphic, compact and highly effective when illuminated.
Two currently available, price per pendant.
Manufacturer: Kempthorne Lighting
Model: K911
Origin: Australia
Period: c.1970s
Materials: Brushed metal, amber translucent diffusers
Lights: 4
Dimensions: Approx. 25 × 25 × 24 cm
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light signs of age consistent with use
Professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended.
(Two Available)
A striking piece of Australian space-age lighting, this Kempthorne K911 cubic pendant dates from the 1970s and combines brushed metal, translucent amber diffusers and a compact geometric construction.
The design is characteristic of Kempthorne's later modernist work, when the Melbourne manufacturer was producing increasingly sculptural domestic lighting alongside its more traditional mid-century ranges. Kempthorne was one of Australia's most important lighting manufacturers, with an extensive history of experimentation with new materials, colour and manufacturing techniques. The company worked extensively with patterned and coloured glass and, by the 1960s and 1970s, had developed a sophisticated range of contemporary architectural and domestic lighting.
The K911 is particularly appealing for its almost architectural arrangement of four individual light modules. Each cylindrical brushed-metal housing terminates in a translucent amber geometric diffuser, creating a strong contrast between the restrained metallic exterior and the warm, glowing lower sections. When illuminated, the amber diffusers cast an unusually rich golden light while revealing the spherical globes within.
Its compact cubic form and exposed construction give it a distinctly late-1960s/1970s Australian modernist character, sitting comfortably alongside the era's fascination with modular forms, plastics, metal and coloured light.
Kempthorne's importance in Australian design has become increasingly recognised, with original examples represented in collections including the National Gallery of Victoria and Powerhouse Collection. The company's post-war design programme was led by industrial designers Joyce and Selwyn Coffey, whose work helped establish Kempthorne as a major force in Australian modern lighting.
A particularly good example of the more adventurous side of Australian lighting design — graphic, compact and highly effective when illuminated.
Two currently available, price per pendant.
Manufacturer: Kempthorne Lighting
Model: K911
Origin: Australia
Period: c.1970s
Materials: Brushed metal, amber translucent diffusers
Lights: 4
Dimensions: Approx. 25 × 25 × 24 cm
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light signs of age consistent with use
Professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended.
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