Good Questions: What Is This Arco Look-a-Like?

Hello AT,

I'm seeking details on what appears to be either an inspired floor lamp based on the original Arco lamp designed by Achille Castiglioni. The arm connecting the shade to the base seems to have an arc that continues to the base (whereas the Arco at some point straightens out vertically), and the shade itself appears to hang rather than connect towards the end of the arm. Any ideas?

Many thanks, Jonathan

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Comments (13)

I'd love to know the answer too! These pictures are from an amazing loft home tour featured in September's Domino. I've always enjoyed the design of the Arco lamp but this lamp seems better suited to smaller spaces than the Arco.

posted by Erin T on 2006-09-26 12:55:44

Have you tried contacting Domino directly, through its website or one of its much-ballyhooed bloggers?

posted by JenDC on 2006-09-26 13:02:10

The original posting to the domino forum received no responses, and domino's reply was that the original lamp is an item no longer being sold . . . I've seen many Arco knock-offs/reproductions, but nothing with the subtle differences in this one.

posted by Jonathan on 2006-09-26 13:24:54

I have actually seen this a couple of times..... This is one of those classic examples of a vintage knock off.... they are around, you just gotta keep your eyes open( and they are always my favorites, something about a close copy created in the same time period as the original).... ebay, flea markets... you won't find this one at a pottery barn.

posted by kristian on 2006-09-26 14:45:39

We don't know who made the lamp either, but at least looked at it again after reading the blog posting. This one came from Lakewood Antique Market in the autumn of 1996.

I just want to know how to take a close up photo of a chrome object without getting yourself in there!

posted by Agent45 on 2006-09-26 21:38:56

ok - so the picture isn't viewing....it's here:

http://www.georgiasoul.com/images/arclamp.jpg

posted by Agent45 on 2006-09-26 21:40:50

Wow, Agent45, I am truly amazed that you've managed to identify this lamp. How is it that you are so informed to know of it's origin from a market in 1996?

Would you happen to have additional information regarding the manufacturer/designer?

My guess on eliminating the camera reflection from the chrome lamp would initially be to shoot with a long lens, and place the camera within the environment being taken without a tripod . . . just a guess though really.

posted by Jonathan on 2006-09-27 01:38:42

Agent45, did you hear that Lakewood Antique Market will be having its last show in October? The city repurchased its lease from the Market. So sad, my husband and I enjoyed strolling around for treasures (and the $1 bag of mini doughnuts). The last show will be October 12th-15th.
Have you been to Scott Antique market? I haven't yet but we will have to check it out now that Lakewood is closing.

posted by Erin T on 2006-09-27 12:20:16

Jonathan>> my lamp is not the very lamp in that photo shoot, but I have one that is identical. That certainly doesn't help identify the thing, and only creates more questions since there is no identifying mark on the base. So I'm not really informed at all.

Erin>> Yeah, I've heard about Lakewood closing, which is very sad. I only had the doughnuts once, but was a big fan of the fresh squeezed lemonade. The condo I share with my girlfriend is filled with treasures found at Lakewood (as well as other places). The municipal govt. here has never had any interest in historic preservation so it's no surprise that they wouldn't recognize the merits of keeping the Fairgrounds as they are now. After all - there are lofts to be built!

OK, sorry to hijack this blog with matters not related to the lamp, about which I'm still very curious.

posted by Agent45 on 2006-09-27 12:54:13

Well, Agent45 if you're ever in the market to sell the lamp, come to me first, not ebay ;-P

posted by Jonathan on 2006-09-27 13:34:50

Thanks for all your interest in the lamp that was featured in Domino. I wanted to make sure you all knew about the actual lamp in the photo: Jessie (the homeowner and subject of the story) got this lamp at White on White, a store in TriBeCa in NYC. Unfortunately, White on White did not have it any more, so we credited the Chiasso lamp as an affordable alternative (indicating that it was "similar to shown").
White on White's website is www.whiteonwhite.com if you want to check them out. The Chiasso lamp can be seen at this link: http://www.chiasso.com/store/item.aspx?itemid=46910 if you are interested in that too.

I hope that helps!

posted by Susannah at Domino on 2006-10-04 11:18:40

Jonathan - I realize it's now two months later, but in case you run across this in the next day or so, there's a lamp like this currently on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Chrome-Arc-Floor-Lamp-Eames-era-70s_W0QQitemZ110058024223QQihZ001QQcategoryZ35878QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(In case the URL doesn't come through, the listing is titled "Mid Century Modern Chrome Arc Floor Lamp Eames era 70s".)

posted by pilgrim on 2006-11-28 21:39:10

I know it's been a while since you posted the question, but I have a lamp identical to yours in every way, except mine has a gold finish. Just thought I'd tell you that mine still has it's original vintage label which reads, "Lighting Mategra Inc".
Which was likely the manufacturer of yours as well.

posted by sarah on 2007-03-12 14:33:55