Kaiser idell Pendant Luminaires

The idea that a derivative can be quite independent and valuable while the term is at the moment mostly associated with the permanently dwindling value of financial products that have been passed around to the nth degree is proven by Kaiser idell with this pendant luminaire. In contrast to the table lamp, this is not a reissue of a historical Kaiser idell model; nevertheless, the language of its contours is unmistakable due to the fact that its shade corresponds to that of the table light 6631 R, with the lamp dome placed in the centre. Like the 6631 R, it is of superior quality; in particular, the wet lacquered finish of the surfaces, with which Kaiser idell furnishes all its models, is without rival. Individually or in a series, the Kaiser idell pendant luminaires would make an impression suspended above any table.

There are first-hand reports, leaving one with a melancholic feeling in the knowledge, oneself would never be able to make a first-hand experience of that kind. So it was written in our catalogue no. 9 about the quality of Kaiser idell luminaires from Neheim-Hüsten. Well-known amongst connoisseurs, their meteoric rise had begun in the 1920s, although at some point they had disappeared from the market. Happily, in this case, we were proven wrong, because they rose again: and in the same design, quality and craftsmanship that made them so famous. Behind this new edition of the original – not only by us eagerly awaited - are the descendants of the founder of the Kaiser works, as well as two former executives of an English manufacturer of industrial light fittings who took over the Kaiser production facilities in the mid-1980s. The luminaires are manufactured in Denmark, a country which has itself produced several classics in lighting.

In addition to the outstanding quality of their workmanship, Kaiser idell’s renown is also founded on a technical concept that included the most up to date findings on light control and ergonomics. Their luminaires were virtually the answer to meet the challenge which was brought about by the increasing mechanisation of workplaces, where the producers of artificial light sources were not only judged on aesthetics but were also required to meet ergonomic and physiological quality criteria. Against the background of respective scientific insights Christian Dell, who was the master of the metalworks at the Weimar Bauhaus from 1922 to 1925 and directed the metal workshop at the Frankfurter Kunstschule from 1926 to 1933, designed light fittings for office, workshop and household. This collaboration is reflected in the name of the luminaires: "Kaiser idell", which stands for lights by Kaiser, according to an idea from Dell.

Some prospective acquaintances leave you with the melancholy feeling of knowing that you will never pick up with them. In this light, we introduced the Kaiser idell lamps from Neheim-Hüsten in our catalogue no. 9: Their meteoric rise had begun in the 1920s; in later years, they were famous among connoisseurs, but then they disappeared from the market. In this case, we were fortunately mistaken, because they are back: in the same design, quality and craftsmanship that made them so famous. Behind the long-awaited new edition of the original, you find the descendants of the founder of the Kaiserwerke as well as two former executives of an English industrial lighting manufacturer who took over the production facilities of the Kaiserwerke in the mid-1980s.

As their thumbprint, the technically well-thought-out Kaiser idell luminaires for office, workshop and household carried superior light control and ergonomics, combined with outstanding workmanship. Christian Dell, master metalworker at the Weimar Bauhaus in the years 1922 to 1925 and subsequently head of the metal workshop at the Frankfurt School of Art until 1933 paved the way for these innovations. It’s been a few years, but the lamps reappeared. They are produced in Denmark and Latvia now, partly according to the original designs and partly as new constructions. No matter what, it’s easy to recognize the high standards of design, quality and craftsmanship in all the models – immediately visible in the carefully hand-painted and polished reflector shades (and feet in the case of the table lamps).