Obello LED Wireless lamp - / Bill Curry, 1971 - Hand-blown glass by Gubi White

Famous Californian designer of the mid-20th century, Bill Curry (1927-1971) captured the West Coast zeitgeist of the 1960s and 1970s. Curry dreamed of a bold future, made possible by modern technology. In an era defined by a new, forward-looking optimism, Curry translated the wonder and upheaval he saw around him with clever insights and clear visual narratives. Curry is particularly famous for having developed the first forms of “total look” lamps: monobloc lamps (consisting of a single piece). Replacing the traditional base and lampshade form with a single unit, Curry set a new standard in contemporary lighting design. His Obello lamp could be seen as the ultimate resolution to his streamlined approach to design. Bill Curry designed the Obello lamp in 1971 with a single piece of glass, eliminating the need for a separate base. The mushroom shape is inspired by the atomic age, the space race and pop culture that defined 1970s Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Curry died the same year and never saw the Obello lamp go into production. His lamp being only at the prototype stage, he’d never even given it a name. Half a century later, with the approval of Curry's family, GUBI decided to delve into the archives of the American designer to produce this innovative light for the first time, adding a new functionality to it: portability. The result of exceptional craftsmanship, the Obello lamp is made of a single piece of hand-blown glass with a frosted effect, as Curry had imagined in his original drawings. This materiality and craftsmanship add value and tactility, making each lamp unique. This version has two dimmable LED light sources: one located in the upper part, the other in the foot, ensuring an even distribution of light from all angles. Rechargeable, this lamp can easily be moved, transitioning smoothly from indoors to outdoors. The Obello lamp should be charged and stored indoors when not in use. It’s splashproof and can therefore withstand an occasional shower (for outdoor use, ideally use in dry weather). With a full charge (4. 5 hr charge), the Obello lamp offers up to 40 hours of light. Obello creates a cosy atmosphere. Emblematic of the space age, its design is both refined and playful.