The History and Evolution of the Flos 2097 50
Gino Sarfatti was an Italian industrial designer and entrepreneur, best known for his lighting designs. He founded the lighting company Flos in 1962, which quickly rose to prominence for its innovative and modern designs. In 1958, Sarfatti designed the 2097 chandelier for his own Milanese apartment, which later became one of Flos’s most iconic and enduring products.
The original 2097 was designed to hold 30 bulbs, but it was later redesigned with 50 bulbs in response to customer demand. The updated version, known as the Flos 2097 50, has become the most popular and widely recognized iteration of the design.
The Design and Style of the Flos 2097 50
The Flos 2097 50 is a striking and sculptural piece of lighting design. It features a complex, branching metal frame that holds 50 bulbs, arranged in a circular pattern. The design is at once futuristic and ethereal, with its delicate metal filaments conveying a sense of weightlessness and motion.
The 2097 50 is available in a variety of finishes, including chrome, brass, and black. Its minimalist aesthetic and timeless elegance make it a popular choice for a wide range of interior styles, from modern and industrial to more traditional and understated.
The Technical Details of the Flos 2097 50
The Flos 2097 50 is a large and powerful chandelier, designed to provide ample light and create a dramatic visual impact in any space. It measures 39.4 inches in diameter and 27.6 inches in height, and it weighs approximately 24 pounds.
The chandelier requires 50 E14 bulbs, each with a maximum wattage of 40 watts. It is also available in a dimmable version, allowing users to adjust the lighting levels as desired.
The Impact of the Flos 2097 50 on Lighting Design
The Flos 2097 50 has had a profound influence on lighting design since its debut in the late 1950s. Its innovative and daring design epitomizes the modernist ethos of the era, and it paved the way for future generations of designers to push the boundaries of what was possible in lighting design.
The chandelier’s enduring popularity and widespread acclaim testify to its lasting impact on the world of design. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and other media, cementing its status as an iconic and instantly recognizable piece of lighting history.
The Legacy of Gino Sarfatti and Flos
Gino Sarfatti’s contributions to the field of lighting design extend far beyond the 2097 chandelier. He was one of the most influential and visionary designers of his time, and his work still resonates with designers and enthusiasts today. Sarfatti was known for his radical experimentation with form and material, and his inventive designs continue to inspire new generations of innovators.
Flos, the company founded by Sarfatti, remains one of the most prestigious and influential lighting companies in the world. It has collaborated with some of the most renowned and innovative designers of the past century, including Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, and Marcel Wanders.
