Dezeen Magazine

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

Big-Game's Hammer Lamp combines traditional and contemporary metalwork

This lamp by Swiss design studio Big-Game couples a hammered metal shade with a modern aluminium stand.

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

Big-Game worked with Wiener Silber Manufactur, a Viennese silversmith, to hand-produce the Hammer Lamp – a limited edition light that combines traditional silversmithing with contemporary metalwork – currently on show at Vienna Design Week.

"We wanted to create a functional object that would celebrate the beauty of the craft but at the same time have a very contemporary expression," said Big-Game.

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

Big-Game asked Wiener Silber Manufactur to make a lamp with a hammered-metal deflector that comes in a limited edition of 12 solid silver shades and 12 gold-plated silver shades.

"We were intrigued by the sparkly reflection of hammered silver," said the designers. "This surface treatment is really fascinating to look at. At some point we pointed a flashlight directly at a one piece and thought 'this would make an amazing light reflector'."

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

A matt-black aluminium base contrasts the reflective, textured finish of the shade. The stand contains the lamp's electric cabling and LED bulb.

"On one hand we wanted to use the traditional craft of Wiener Silber Manufactur – which we respect a lot – but at the same time we felt we needed to use precious material (the manufacture works with solid 94 per cent pure silver) only when it's really bringing something extraordinary," said Big-Game.

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

The aluminium stand has a wide circular base to balance the lamp. Two prongs are jointed to the angular stem – one clamps the shade in place, while a second angles an LED light into the shiny metal deflector above. The shade can be tilted to adjust the angle of the light.

"We wanted it to feel like quality photographic equipment: sturdy and precise," the designers said.

Hammer lamp by Big-Game

Big-Game recently collaborated with the Belgian manufacturer Vervloet, a decorative hardware company, for Tools Collection, a series of multi-faceted chrome door handles.

Vienna Design Week runs until 5 October. Also on display during the festival is a set of bespoke microphone accessories.