Limburg Lighting, Kaiser Lighting & Peill & Putzler

The 1970`s saw a softening of German design for increased global appeal. No where was this more evident than in German lighting. Three lighting companies Limburg Lighting, Kaiser Lighting and Peill & Putzler Lighting were instrumental in offering the wider world a more glamourous Modernist style far from their Bauhaus origins.

Increased importance on style & the flamboyant use of glass is seen in this vintage chandelier by German maker `Limburg`. The manufacturer Glashütte Limburg was established in 1947 when Dr. Walter Heinrich brought glass blowing to this city. A modernist`s dream, Limburg Lighting was initially part state owned and employed post war immigrants from the east. The company went on to achieve the "Corporate Design Award" at the Hanover industrial fair in 1985. The 1970`s postmodern moon floor lamp (left) also by Limburg playfully challenges Bauhaus` `function over form`. Check out our other vintage Limburg Lighting also on this site .

Another Germany manufacturer, Kaiser Lighting, was founded by Hermann Kaiser in 1895 making it the country`s oldest. Shifting from the production of lighting parts, the company began producing it’s own line of lamps by the early 20th century. In 1936, Kaiser launched their first catalogue quickly associating the company with Modernist design classics such as the playfully named ‘Idell’ desk lamp by Christian Dell. But it was in the 1970’s when Kaiser Lighting took a tip from Italian style & craftmanship by adding quality crystal shades & discs to their chandeliers, such as this elegant vintage chandelier left by Kaiser. Towards the end of the 1970s, Kaiser Lighting was bought by Thorn Lighting Group, making vintage Kaiser lighting limited and sought after.

German manufacturers Peill & Putzler merged together in 1947 as a glassware & lighting company. Putzler collaborated with important designers such as Wilhelm Wagenfeld from the Bauhaus. Their designs of the 60`s & 70`s however had a postmodern irony such as this pair of vintage pop wall lights (left). The Putzler factory closed in 1997. We often stock vintage Putzler Lighting.

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