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Good Questions: Alternative to the Fortuny Lamp?

9-16-fortuny-lamp.jpg
Does anyone know of a lamp that resembles the Fortuny but, is more reasonably priced?
Sincerely,
Jeff

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9-16-fortuny-lamp.jpg

We would suggest looking into professional photography lighting and umbrellas &mdash a less expensive alternative to the $5000 Fortuny Lamp. Anyone else?

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Comments (12)

Aaron--

I'm confused...

These are the Fortuny lamps that I'm familiar with - and they're nothing like photography lamps.

http://www.fortunyva.com/3schehersilk_2.htm

posted by bepsf on September 16th 2008 at 8:44am
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A combination of Andrew Martin's "Stage Light" [http://andrewmartin.co.uk/essentials/essentialsrange.php?ecid=3] and an inexpensive diffusing umbrella [http://www.adorama.com/PTSL407.html?searchinfo=umbrella&item_no=7] might work well.

posted by KEEHNAN on September 16th 2008 at 8:45am
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funny you should mention actual photography lighting. after i emailed my question, i did look at B&H photo... adorama has much better tripod though.

jeff

posted by jeffnyc on September 16th 2008 at 8:59am
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I'm with bepsf...when someone says "fortuny" I think of the the gorgeous silk lamps.

posted by Monica on September 16th 2008 at 9:05am
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This should clear up the "Fortuny" debate. He apparently did indoor lighting (which is what bepsf is referring to above), but he also created the Cyclorama Dome, which is know commonly known as the "Fortuny Lamp." Which what Design Within Reach sells. Here's a short history:

http://blueantstudio.blogspot.com/2006/11/designer-of-week_13.html

posted by rbh68 on September 16th 2008 at 9:11am
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Ironically Fortuny created his iconic photography lamp with no intention of selling it. He needed something to use in his own space to better photograph the lamps (and other works) he DID intend to sell. Now it is considered his most important piece. (At least that's what the authors of design books say.)

posted by andrew c on September 16th 2008 at 9:19am
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Great timing, AT! I've been trying to find a substitute for this very lamp for months now. I've looked at actual photographers' lamps, used movie set lamps, and the various mass-market "Hollywood" lamps at Pottery Barn, etc., but nothing quite matches the Fortuny for elegance.

posted by Lisa Hunter (Montreal) on September 16th 2008 at 9:38am
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To Lisa: true... can't find that beautiful dome on the pivoting "U" or clean base.

posted by jeffnyc on September 16th 2008 at 9:47am
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I think this one is irreplaceable....

posted by Daniel Poitiers on September 16th 2008 at 10:05am
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Matt Blatt in Sydney (www.mattblatt.com.au) does a pretty good replica for $495 AUD but I am not sure if they will send os.

posted by Harry&Otis on September 17th 2008 at 1:26am
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Not at all comparable but would you consider a Noguchi -smart-looking and similar feet, though far less light?

posted by Bo Placebo on September 17th 2008 at 2:00am
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Sebastian at nymod.com has a replica of the fortuny lamp for $400. It is called the "alcatraz lamp" and is available with black or grey fabric.

posted by agreenspan99 on November 11th 2008 at 11:13am
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