Back in 1987 when the Tolomeo task lamp was first launched by Artemide it caused a sensation at the Milan Furniture Fair. Not so much in the shape, the design world was already accustomed to the form of the suspended task lamp originating all those years ago with the Anglepoise in the 30s. No Tolemo’s beauty is found in its engineering, laid bare for all to see. Exposed steel wires draw an audience in to view the fine balance and control needed to keep the lamp in position.
At the time, the designers Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina were going against a decadent grain that was trademark of the ’80s. By contrast, their product was neat, precise and highly understated. ‘Ahead of its time’ exclaimed the jury and the Tolemeo was awarded Italy’s most prestigious design prize the Compasso d’Oro. Still today that judgement rings true.