The desktop lamp L1 is the absolute classic among the so-called self-supporting jointed arm lamps and the most famous one in the world (it sold more than 25 million worldwide!). It was designed as long ago as 1937 by the Norwegian designer and founder of the firm Luxo, Jac Jacobsen (born 1901, died 1996). It can be seen being exhibited in many museums and has garnered many prizes for its brilliant design. This lamp was also used by Pixar in its opening credits for its animation films and was even the star of a Pixar short film called “Luxo Jr.”

The construction of the L-1 is based on an articulation principle called “anglepoise” which was developed for another table lamp in 1933 by George Carwardine. The articulation principle itself was based on the functioning of the human arm. In contrast to the many knock-offs of this lamp, the original’s unique features still continue to impress. These include its long arm and its high quality springs that, even after decades of use, are still able to hold the lamp in any position in which it has been placed. The switch for the lamp, it should be noted, is designed for the regular use of bulbs up to 40 W only (no burned-out switches!).