Lot 206
  • 206

Tom Dixon

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Tom Dixon
  • Spiral Light, designed in 1988
  • ciled steel, applied with gold leaf, copper
  • height:143cm.; 56 3/8in.
coiled steel, applied with gold leaf, copper

Literature

Gareth D. Williams, Nick Wright, Cut & Shut, The History of Creative Salvage, London, 2012, p.64
Tom Dixon, Dixonary, London, 2013, p.165 

Condition

Good overall condition. A few minor stains and superficial dirt over the entire painted surface. A few minor losses to the gilt and a few minor rust spots, notably along the edges. A trace of oxidation to the inside, at mid-height. The base presents with a few traces of wear and a few painting stains. The electrical system not tested or guaranteed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This lamp is an early edition of the Spiral Light. It is one of six with applied gold leaf inside of the white painted spiral and a spun copper base.
We are grateful to Tom Dixon's Studio for their kind assistance in cataloguing of the present work.

In his Dixonary, Tom Dixon linked this lamp to a work by Stefan Bruggemann, London, 2003, I CAN'T EXPLAIN AND I WON'T EVEN TRY. Tom Dixon wrote : "Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for what I do. In writing this book and remembering the story for each product, I'm reminded that you don't really need a defined reason to create. I can't recall why I made this coiled springy lamp, other than that I had probably seen some kinetic art in a museum or gallery and got interested in the way I could make lights active rather than static. I's hard to pass this lamp without smacking it to make the porjected light dance on the ceiling. There is a satisfying jelly-like belly dance that happens, too. This was probably my first real lamp and sparked off an enduring passion and interest in lighting objects".