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Gustav Kalhammer (Austrian, Vienna 1886–1919/20 (?) Vienna) National Railway Station Restaurant, Vienna X, Josef Pohl (Restaurant Staatsbahnhof, Wien X, Josef Pohl), 1911 Austrian, Color lithograph; Sheet: 3 9/16 × 5 1/2 in. (9 × 14 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Museum Accession, transferred from the Library (WW.410) http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/649618

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 given the task of coordinating Bauhaus students’ work, which culminated in a competition for conference and furniture design.

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.

Josef Pohl’s Cupboard Element on Rollers (1929–30)
Bachelor’s Wardrobe by Josef Kohl | Bauhaus

Additional Works

Office lamp, Adolf Joseph Pohl "Mother with a Child", circa 1900, bronze, antiques, Galeria Żak, lamp, lighting, old lamps, antiques Warsaw
Office lamp, Adolf Joseph Pohl “Mother with a Child”, circa 1900, bronze, antiques, Galeria Żak, lamp, lighting, old lamps, antiques Warsaw
Josef Pohl 1872 Wien - 1930 Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
Josef Pohl 1872 Wien – 1930 Bad Deutsch-Altenburg

Sources

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

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