Prima Ballerina + Petit Ballerina Lamps
Merging innovation with tradition Simone LeAmon’s new lighting products for Rakumba are a striking reworking of the iconic ‘ballerina’ lampshade.
Merging innovation with tradition Simone LeAmon’s new lighting products for Rakumba are a striking reworking of the iconic ‘ballerina’ lampshade in two spectacular versions: Prima Ballerina and Petit Ballerina.
Emerging in the late 19th century the ‘ballerina’ lampshade holds a special place in the lexicon of shades and shade making. Recognisable for its Edwardian silhouette, ‘twist and frills’ – the ballerina shade marks a time when electrification led to a surge in the design and manufacture of light fittings for the home. For traditional shade makers the ballerina is the ultimate challenge.
“Few people remain in industry with the experience and dexterity to make the ballerina shade. Prima and Petit Ballerina draw on the image of this iconic shade to demonstrate the skill of the Rakumba craftswomen meanwhile the redesign enables a radically new LED light source – merging innovation with tradition.”
Prima Ballerina and Petit Ballerina are the result of Simone LeAmon’s second collaboration with Australian lighting manufacturer Rakumba. With a heritage in hand crafted lampshades Rakumba is a leading Australian manufacturer of custom-made lighting.
“Amongst other things manufacturing is about people, but we often forget this… Inspired by the Rakumba staff I set out to design lighting products to speak of the expertise and work histories of these wonderful people.
“Petit Ballerina is a superb example of pairing traditional knowledge and techniques with leading technology –combining the expertise of Rakumba’s craftswomen with the smarts of the product development team we have a achieved a completely new lighting product. Prima Ballerina is a grand lighting feature – standing over two metres the scale demands the best of the Ramkumba craftswomen. Having worked side-by-side for near to twenty years I love the idea that they can their history together in the one shade.” – Simone LeAmon
Prima Ballerina / 2013 / Rakumba Design Collaboration / Satin, steel, copper / 2100 x 1000mm dia / Lamp 4 x E27
Petit Ballerina / 2013 / Rakumba Design Collaboration / Satin, steel, copper / 1900 x 500mmdia / Lamp proprietary LED
Related projects
Bowling Arm Bangles
Good Sport is an accessory range made with the leather remnants from cricket balls.
Prima Ballerina + Petit Ballerina Lamps
Merging innovation with tradition Simone LeAmon’s new lighting products for Rakumba are a striking reworking of the iconic ‘ballerina’ lampshade.
Lepidoptera Chair
Lepidoptera evolved following Simone LeAmon’s visit to an automotive textile manufacturer in Melbourne in 2008.
