George Black

This fall we present the first GRAU Heritage Edition: George Black. The limited edition is a reinterpretation of the iconic George tripod floor lamp that you designed and launched in 1996. Can you remember the design process that led you to this particular design? What was the initial inspiration?

George's form combines something familiar with something new. I wanted it to appear old and new at the same time. It was created through associations. It has something English about it, to slow down the modern. The name also refers to these associations. George also has something architectural about it, the shape of the head resembles the dome of Florence Cathedral. This combination has made it perhaps my first completely modern luminaire. Precisely because it wasn't intended and wasn't the result of a conventional approach, it happened in the end. I am delighted that you are reinterpreting George as a Heritage Edition and reissuing it as a limited edition. Why did you choose George as the first GRAU Heritage Edition?

With George Black, we celebrate the unique heritage of GRAU. For 37 years, GRAU has stood for sculptural design, high-quality material processing and innovative lighting experiences. George Black underlines these central design features. The floor lamp combines classic elegance with a sculptural presence and a modern look that blends harmoniously into a wide variety of interiors. The interplay of different materials is particularly present in George's design. Why did you choose oak wood and zinc back then?

The high-gloss head forms an exciting contrast to the zinc parts and oak legs. This creates a pleasant unity with its very own character. You emphasize these materials in your new Heritage Edition. The black legs create a connection to the dark head, giving the design a modern interpretation. You remain true to the core of the design.

The tripod with the spotlight was a unique, sculptural and at the same time innovative form for a floor lamp. They give the design its lightness and sculptural quality. George has an expressive effect on the room. The design is special and yet completely unique. Would you have thought at the time that it would become so successful?

George's success did not come overnight. The design required some adaptation, which had to do with the unusual shape and combination of materials. But it was precisely this that later made it successful and iconic.

Is there a favorite detail about George that you can describe to us?

The lamp head is initially black like a fountain pen cap. When switched on, it glows red from the inside and comes to life. This was new and has remained unique to this day. The dark legs of George Black harmonize particularly well with this dark red head. George Black is beautiful, familiar and new at the same time.