Architectural revival: BassamFellows re-release Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly's light fixture for floor use
The Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp, a unique lighting solution that creates a soft glow by reflecting light upwards and outwards, was originally designed in 1953 by architect Philip Johnson and lighting designer Richard Kelly for Johnson's iconic Glass House. The collaboration between these two design visionaries resulted in a piece that complemented the open architectural space without traditional fixtures.
Fast forward to 2025, and the design studio BassamFellows, founded by architect Craig Bassam, revived and re-released this iconic lamp. The reissue pays homage to the original modernist design while making the piece available again to contemporary audiences. This revival emphasizes the historical importance and timeless design of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp.
The lamp's origins lie in the Glass House, a minimalist home with no interior ceilings or walls, requiring innovative lighting solutions. The design duo behind BassamFellows were inspired to revive the Johnson/Kelly floor light design after moving into another Johnson-designed house in New Canaan.
The reissued Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp, manufactured by BassamFellows, is set to be released this autumn. It maintains the lamp’s original architectural intent and significance while providing a contemporary touch. This revival highlights the lasting influence of Johnson and Kelly’s collaboration and the ongoing relevance of mid-century modern design in contemporary interiors.
The design of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp has a balance of character and anonymity, making it a key feature of the Glass House, an architectural masterpiece designed by Philip Johnson in 1949. The lamp's design was devised to address the problem of reflections in the Glass House, with its coned top reflecting light upwards and out, spreading a soft glow.
Philip Johnson wrote that when he first moved into the Glass House in 1949, there was no light other than the sun. The Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp, with its subtle theatrical effect, filled this void. The lamp is described as a 'small piece of architecture,' a testament to its architectural significance.
The Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp is manufactured under license and authorization from The Glass House, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Estate of Richard Kelly. The re-release allows new generations to own a piece of mid-century modern design that was originally highly site-specific. The revival of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp is a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design and the continued relevance of Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly's innovative collaboration.
References:
- The Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp: A Modernist Masterpiece
- The Story of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp
- The Revival of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp
- The Influence of the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp
- The reissued Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp is expected to be a coveted addition to modern lifestyle enthusiasts, as it complements contemporary home-and-garden aesthetics while retaining its mid-century modern interior-design roots.
- The ongoing revival and admiration for the Johnson/Kelly Floor Lamp showcase how mid-century modern design truly dance across lifestyles, bridging the gap between history and contemporary interiors.
