Multi-lite portable lamp, brass and brass – Gubi

The Multi-Lite portable collection lamp, designed by Louis Weisdorf in 1972 and published by the Danish company Gubi, is a refined work of art that combines portability with the timeless elegance of Danish design. This version of the Multi-Lite series, originally conceived as a suspension luminaire, embodies the innovative spirit and optimism of the 1970s, while offering a compact and versatile lighting solution

Design and features

The Multi-Lite portable lamp features a signature spherical shade, composed of two adjustable metal shells that frame a central light source. These pivoting shells allow the light to be directed as desired: upwards for a diffused ambience, downwards for targeted illumination, or in an intermediate position for a customized, graphic effect. This modularity perfectly illustrates Weisdorf's philosophy of designing dynamic objects, far removed from static forms.

Compact, the lamp rests on a small, stable base that makes it easy to move from one room to another. Gubi offers a variety of finishes, including combinations of chrome or brass for the structure, retaining the collection's sophisticated aesthetic. With reduced dimensions compared to its suspension or floor lamp counterparts - a shade diameter of around 15 cm in its portable version - it combines practicality with sculptural presence.

The design of this portable lamp, with its geometric lines and playful allure, has its roots in the trends of the 1970s, marked by a fascination with spherical shapes and shiny metallic finishes. Yet its uncluttered simplicity gives it a modernity that spans the decades.

Background and heritage

Louis Weisdorf, a Danish architect and designer trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, imagined the Multi-Lite at the peak of his career, having collaborated with such giants as Poul Henningsen and Verner Panton. His experience at Le Klint and his interest in modular systems are reflected in this creation.

The reissue by Gubi

In reintroducing the Multi-Lite portable lamp, Gubi pays tribute to Weisdorf's visionary genius. Made from high-end materials - brass or chrome depending on the finish - this piece retains the authenticity of its original design while benefiting from impeccable contemporary craftsmanship. Its color options and portability make it as decorative as it is practical, capable of blending into a variety of interiors, whether modern, Scandinavian or vintage.