Jordi Vilanova, lamps from the 1960s

JORDI VILANOVA (Barcelona, 1925–1998).
Pair of lamps. Spain, 1960s.
Solid wood with natural fiber covering.
Measurements: 35 x 40 x 25 cm.

This pair of lamps—pieces that are extremely rare on the market—was designed by Jordi Vilanova, a key figure in Catalan design during the second half of the 20th century, renowned for his masterful use of natural materials and his close connection to contemporary craftsmanship. The pieces stand out for the richness of their textures and the careful combination of solid wood with natural fiber coverings—a material language characteristic of Vilanova that lends his designs exceptional warmth and a striking sculptural presence. Their bold volumes and refined lines reflect a constant quest for balance between traditional construction and formal modernity, resulting in lighting with great decorative impact that can be seamlessly integrated into both contemporary interiors and Mid-Century-inspired settings.

A Catalan interior designer and cabinetmaker, Jordi Vilanova enrolled in 1939 at the School of Artistic Crafts and Trades at La Lonja. He completed his training in the Busquets workshop, and between 1940 and 1953 he worked at Lluís Gili’s studio. Jordi Vilanova was the founder and promoter of the Catalan art magazine “Questions d’Art” (1967–74). In 1974, he opened a showroom featuring a permanent exhibition of furniture and upholstery of his own design, becoming a member of the Official Association of Decorators and Interior Designers of Barcelona and the SAD. His modern furniture and his approach to designing spaces were initially aimed at a broad public with limited financial resources and, consequently, homes with less living space. However, this vast majority did not understand his vision. Instead, it was the Catalan bourgeoisie, eager to break with outdated stylistic conventions, that embraced his work. He specialized in children’s furniture, such as the Delta stool, which won the Silver Delta Award from the ADI/FAD in 1964. He held exhibitions of his work in the Scandinavian countries. Among his most representative designs are the Tiracord and Billar chairs (1961), the Montseny MP bunk bed (1961), the Tartera (1966) and Petit (1978) rocking chairs, and the Z magazine rack (1987)—the latter designed in collaboration with his son, Pau Vilanova Vila-Abadal. His work is currently on display at the Barcelona Design Museum.