HAY Nelson Saucer Bubble Pendant Light XL Ø 127 cm

The Bubble series of lights was designed as early as 1942 by the pioneering American designer George Nelson and first produced in 1952. He was inspired to create the series of lights by Swedish, silk-covered pendant lights which he wanted for his office but found too expensive. Consequently, drawing on great ingenuity in the design process, he developed the lampshades for the Bubble range, all of which consist of a lightweight steel frame coated with a self-curing plastic spray. The delicate lines of the frame remain visible, which is what gives the lampshades their distinctive charm. The plastic spray was developed by the US military. It gives the lampshade a refined and elegant appearance, whilst its translucent surface creates very pleasant lighting in the room. The light looks just as beautiful and decorative in living rooms or bedrooms as it does in a wide variety of commercial settings, such as a hotel lobby or a foyer.

The architect and visual artist George Nelson (1907–1986) was born in Connecticut and was one of the most influential figures in the crucial early days of modern design. He was educated at Yale and believed that it was a designer’s duty to improve the world. In his various designs for furniture, light and even buildings, he often drew inspiration from the perfection of nature’s creations.