Max Bré – set of three Brutalist table lamps, brass and wrought iron, France 1960s–70s

Max Bré – set of three Brutalist table lamps, brass and wrought iron, France 1960s–70s

Three Brutalist table lamps by the French artisan blacksmith Max Bré, made in the shape of an old oil lamp or jug with a slender neck. The body has the typical finely ribbed, roughly modelled texture of his work in brass, with a lively, irregular surface built up by hand; the flat handle is wrought iron and clamps around the shoulder with two split ends. The handle bears the stamped mark BRE MAX (photo 9). A vintage lamp base in the French Brutalist tradition, ideal as a set or spread throughout the house.

Why we chose this piece

Max Bré worked as an artisan blacksmith in the Lot and Dordogne and, from the 1950s to the 1970s, made jugs, bowls, mirrors and lamps with this recognisable, handcrafted character. A set of three lamps is special: because each one is handmade, they differ slightly from one another, but together they form a strong ensemble. The contrast between the warm, mottled brass and the dark wrought iron makes them truly sculptural.

Style and interior

These lamps are perfect in a wabi-sabi, Brutalist or mid-century interior, but also in a French country house or among antiques and natural materials such as linen, stone and oak. Beautiful in a row on a sideboard or windowsill, with simple linen shades.

Dimensions: each lamp approx. 26 cm high, diameter approx. 12 cm, approx. 17 cm wide including the handle; the three lamps differ slightly from one another (handmade)
Material: brass with ribbed texture, wrought-iron handle
Designer/Maker: Max Bré (two of the three lamps are stamped BRE and MAX; the third is unmarked, the three were bought together as a set)
Style: Brutalism
Period: 1960s–70s
Origin: France
Quantity: 3
Condition: good vintage condition with a strong, well-worn patina. The brass has dark and reddish-brown spots and light wear consistent with age (photos 7 and 8); the wrought-iron handles show rust and signs of use (photos 7 and 8). There are no loose or missing parts. The lamps have French bayonet fittings (B22) and old flat cords, one with an inline switch (photo 1). The wiring has not been checked by us; we advise having the lamps inspected by an electrician before use and rewired if necessary. Supplied without shades.

Price:
€ 575 voor de set van drie

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