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Abstract use of primary colour, like that used in our featured Raak Lighting, is characteristic of the Dutch De Stijl movement from the early 20th century.
Dutch company, Raak Amsterdam, was founded in 1954 by C.O. Lockhorn, a previous employee of Philips Lighting.
Raak, which means `to hit’ in Dutch, implies design which precisely `hits the nail on the head’.
Raak Lighting is best known for their organic modern design of the 1970`s which combined glass & metals for a sophisticated futuristic style.
In The Netherlands, there is no division between the various disciplines – art, photography & design. Therefore it was natural for Raak to work with artists such as Willem van Oyen Sr. , creator of the colourful glass panels on these wall lights (left).
Willem Van Oyen Sr. (1921-2004) was born in Amsterdam to a family of well recognised painters. After studying at the National Academy in Amsterdam, he went on to specialise in art glass, pioneering the applique technique. In addition he worked with stained concrete, sandblasting, opal cutting and fusing; techniques which he used to make monumental glass walls for town halls, schools & churches throughout Europe.
In 1947 van Oyen founded the studio ‘BEVO’ which designed lamps for Raak. The best known collaboration is the `Chartres` lighting series inspired by the medieval stained glass from the Chartres Cathedral in France similar to this month`s
lighting by Raak Amsterdam.
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