Floor lamp Zodiac D2080 by Ton Alberts for Raak, 1966
Pure basic geometry defines this piece of "illuminated architecture", as RAAK described it.
And indeed, what an amazing design and proportions! A large glass globe rests on a rectangular rosewood base, which in its turn rests on four alloy legs. The large globe is handmade of opaline glass with a matted appeal. The wooden base is made of solid rosewood with beautiful, top carpentry, joints. The alloy legs are brushed to replicate the appearance of the matt globe. It oozes quality in all details!
The Raak catalogues, particularly those numbered 7 (1966), 8 (1968), 9 (1972), and 11 (1978) showcase the company's "Illuminated Architecture" philosophy, featuring elegant, sophisticated, and modern lighting fixtures that often combined glass and metal. The catalogues feature a range of lighting designs, including the iconic Zodiac floor lamp designed by Ton A.C. Alberts, which is documented in several editions of the catalogue from 1966-1974.
About Ton Alberts
About Ton A.C. Alberts
Anton Carel Alberts (1927-1999) was a Belgian/Dutch architect renowned for his organic architectural designs inspired by anthroposophy. Born in Antwerp, he moved to Amsterdam at a young age and studied at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1962, Alberts established his own architectural workshop. By the late 1970s, he designed one of his most iconic works: the headquarters of the NMB Bank (now ING) in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. This building, along with his other designs, exemplified his organic style, characterized by vibrant colors, asymmetrical forms and a strong focus on functionality.
In 1987, Max van Huut joined Alberts as a partner and together they became leading figures in organic architecture. Their collaboration produced the headquarters of the Gasunie in Groningen, one of Alberts' final major projects before his passing in 1999. Beyond architecture, Alberts also explored other fields of design. In 1974, he created the 'Zodiac' floor lamp for Raak Amsterdam, which reflects the same organic principles found in his architecture. The lamp is part of the permanent design collection of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Boijmans van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam.
The Zodiac is part of the collection of The Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
In excellent condition.
Height: 60cm
Width: 60cm
Diameter globe: 50cm