Gruppo Arditi & Gianni Gamberini BT2 Lamp
This innovative and influential "BT" lamp was designed by Gruppo Arditi with Gianni Gamberini and produced in Italy by Sormani in 1971. It is crafted from wood block covered in steel sheet, and wire ending with clear plastic cylinders with magnetic ends and containing small bulbs. When the cylinders rest on the metal plate the electrical circuit is completed, causing the bulbs to light and the plastic housing to glow warmly. The plastic ends may be moved safely on and off the surface of the metal plates while the lamp is lit. Measures 18 x 13.5 x 5 in (45.7 x 34.3 x 12.7 cm). This lamp delivers a low amount of ambient light, but is one of the most innovative works of decorative art from the Arditi group, and resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art ( MOMA ) in New York. ( za- italian mid-century midcentury modern BT B.T. 2 )
