Kalmar was founded in Vienna by Julius Theodor Kalmar (1884-1968). Initially the company specialised in handcrafted objects of cast bronze.
In the 1920`s, Julius` son Theodor, studied under architect and designer Joseph Hoffman. Hoffman influenced Kalmar into a new direction away from the Eclecticism of the XIX Century, and towards Modernism.
Kalmar lighting and home furnishings were sold in Vienna by the 1920`s in the avant garde shop Hause & Garten.
By the 1960`s, Kalmar expanded internationally with quality glass objects and lighting like this month`s featured chandelier (left).
In the 1990`s, owner Thomas Calice ceased production of stock inventory. This has reduced the availability and raised the value of all the quality vintage pieces produced up to then. One example is this unique vintage glass flowers chandelier in stock (left).
Returning to its bespoke roots, Kalmar is only producing at present, custom lighting for large projects. One of the most notable is the Kalmar Oyster Lighting (left) for the National Convention Centre in Qatar.
The Oyster Lights were intended to be lowered before an event. But as they are so spectacular in motion they have now become part of the show.
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