Bauhaus vintage table lamp by Miloslav Prokop for Vorel Praha Company, 1930s

This Modernist Chrome table lamp was produced by NAPAKO Company in the 1930’s but was originally designed by lighting engineer Miloslav Prokop for the Vorel Praha Company. Miloslav Prokop was a visionary and the most influential lighting designer in Czechoslovakia from the 1920’s up until the outbreak of the Second World War. He had great technical knowledge which he combined with his design talent and love for both Modern Art and Avant-garde architecture. His best friend (and someone who had a great influence on Prokop) was the sculptor Zdenek Pesak. Prokop was also often asked to work on projects of some of the best Czech Modernist Architects. For example, Prokop designed lighting for Bohuslav Fuchs’s project, Hotel Avion in Brno, as well as for Pavel Janak on his Julis House in Prague. This elegant Modernist table lamp is made of chromed steel. The bulb is positioned vertically, right underneath the simple shaped mushroom-like shade that is fixed to the base by a single flat screw on the top. This minimal but perfectly functional design allows the right light intensity to radiate out, and so it’s the perfect lamp to use for reading or just as a support side light. The chrome finish on the steel parts was applied to a copper skin, which was an additional layer sitting between chrome and the steel. This was a sign of quality craftsmanship and an example of great timeless design made affordable for the general public. The good original vintage condition shows minor natural wear to the chromed steel. On some parts of the lampshade, the chrome is slightly worn but the piece has acquired a patina which adds unique charm and character instead. The lampshade interior was painted white for better light reflection; this surface remains in very good condition. All the parts are original, including the switch, the bulb fitting, cord and the European plug.