Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) Czech lighting designer

Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) was a Czech lighting designer.

He designed the 1929 precursor of the adjustable lamp. Gerd Balzer produced his model. As part of its Kamden collection, Korting und Mathieson created a similar lamp. Pohl and others at the Bauhaus also executed the prototype adjustable wall lamp illustrated in Staaliches Bauhaus, Weimar, and produced by Jucker. In 1932, Balzer and Pohl were tasked with coordinating Bauhaus students’ work, which culminated in a conference and furniture design competition.

Bachelor Wardrobe on Castors

Josef Pohl’s Cupboard Element on Rollers (1929-30) is a masterpiece of functional design that embodies the modernist ethos of simplicity and practicality. The piece, also known as the “Bachelor’s Wardrobe,” was designed to be mobile, space-saving, and affordable, making it an ideal solution for small apartments and tight budgets. Pohl’s design features clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, and a focus on functionality over ornamentation. The wardrobe’s clever use of rollers allows it to be easily moved around a room or tucked away when not in use. Its modular design also makes customisation easy to fit different needs and spaces. Pohl’s Cupboard Element on Rollers is a testament to the power of good design to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.

Additional Works

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

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