This is my retro tension pole 3-bulb lamp. It’s made of brass, plastic, glass, and wires.
I bought this lamp when I moved out on my own after a long-term relationship ended. Possibly 2017 (I’m not sure) from an ad on Kijiji or Craigslist (I can’t remember which site). I bought it from a young couple in their 20’s from their townhouse in Burlington, Ontario. They were moving and needed everything in their home to go. I remember the woman being really nice.
I didn’t set out to buy a tension pole lamp. At the time, I was looking for MCM-style furniture pieces online. I saw a picture of it and thought it looked unique. I had never seen one (or noticed one) before. I thought it would go well with my eclectic retro style. It reminds me of the Golden Girls. I thought it was listed for a really low price, so I decided I could work it into my existing decor. I bought the lamp for $30 cash.
I think this lamp has had 3 owners (including myself). The woman I bought the light from told me it was her grandmother’s. She loved the lamp but couldn’t keep it because they were moving. I assume her grandmother was the original owner. I wonder where this lamp was purchased from?
It’s definitely vintage. There is a bit of rust on the brass. I didn’t originally love the lampshades. The colour was okay, but the ruffles along the edge weren’t my favourite. They have sort of grown on me over the years.The glass shades don’t always stay in the position I want them to, and the fittings are a bit worn out, making them droop. But I still like it. Sometimes it gets dusty and needs cleaning. I tried to get the rust off, but it’s permanent. The glass shades have some marks, but I can’t get them out either.
I like this lamp because I don’t need a table to put it on or have it fixed to the ceiling in one spot. I also like that I can move it around. I like the brass on it because it matches other decor items in my apartment. I also like how slender it is and that you can angle the bulbs and adjust how many are on. I like that it is unique and vintage and that I found it for a good deal.
It lives in the northwest corner of my living room, beside the TV. It has also had a residency in the middle of my room. I turn the lamp on daily in the evening, typically after dinner. I have it in the corner right now because that particular corner is really low on light. It’s tucked slightly behind the tv, giving the room a nice glow. I tried it more in the center of the room and liked it, but based on my current furniture placement, it gives light to a much-needed dark corner.
I can’t find any information about where it was made. I don’t know who manufactured or designed this lamp. I found this patent by Zelvern W Mann in 1959. The light could have possibly been designed originally by Gerald Thurston https://www.casatigallery.com/designers/gerald-thurston/; however, I wasn’t able to pinpoint the original designer. I came across a a few articles that suggested the company he worked for Lightolier may have designed a version called the Lytespan. The model I own is not a Lytespan because you can’t add lights wherever you want (as advertised for those models). The small dial turns to the right and clicks to turn on the lamp. The first turn and click turns on the bulb, the second click turns on the top and bottom lamp and the third click turns on all lamps. The fourth click turns the lamp off.
It is definitely a mid-century modern fixture. According to 1-800 lighting.com, Mid Century lighting can be described as “It can’t clutter the headspace, which is why you’ll see a lot of thin, straight lines and neutral color tones. The metals are usually on the warmer side, such as brass or bronze. The occasional shiny chrome isn’t uncommon, either.”
I want the lamp donated when I’m gone. I don’t think anyone still alive that I know would even want it. I looked up retro tension pole lamps online, and they range in price depending on style and condition. They are mainly seeking between $200-$400. For now, this lamp makes me feel eclectic and cool. It makes me proud that I found it because many of my friends compliment its coolness. It’s slightly ugly, but the style mixes nicely with my other things. The three bulbs offer a really comforting glow.
On a scale of 1-10 for how upset I’d be if this item broke (10 being very upset and 1 representing no thoughts given at all), I’d be a 4. I like this lamp, and I use it every day, but I think it won’t be an heirloom in its current condition. It’s a unique piece that brings a pop of personality to my space, but it doesn’t define it.
Material Appreciation 