Floor lamp by Silvio Bilangione and Paolo Portoghesi. Italy, Fumagalli, 1967.

'HELGA' floor lamp has a solid wood base and a shaped plywood top, lacquered in white satin paint. The electrics have been modernised with new cable, socket (E27) and switch. FANTASTIC!

Paolo Portoghesi designed the house 'Casa Papanice' in Rome in 1966, it was finished in 1969. Several pieces of furnitutre and lighting were designed at the same time to compliment the new building including the 'Helga' floor lamp (1967). It beautifully reflects the futuristic shapes used in the Casa Papanice and was placed in the living area of the building.

Literature:

-Paolo Portoghesi - projects and drawings 1949-1979, by F. Oschini, center of Florence. New York, Rizzoli, 1979. p 40, illustrated. Produced for the Casa Papanice and Casa Corrias.

-Casa Papanice by Edmondo Papanice. Italy, 2023. p. 61, illustrated & p. 63, illustrated.

Silvio Bilangione is an Italian designer best known for his influential work in lighting and furniture design during the 1960s. His most notable creation is the Helga floor lamp, produced by Fumagalli in 1967, which stands out for its sculptural spherical shade and lacquered wood base, exemplifying mid-century Italian modernism. Bilangione’s designs are characterized by their clean lines, innovative use of materials, and timeless appeal. While his output is relatively limited compared to some contemporaries, the Helga lamp remains a sought-after collector’s piece, highlighting Bilangione’s lasting impact on 20th-century design and his contribution to Italy’s design heritage.