DWR Will Be the Exclusive Retailer of the Iconic Design in North America
BassamFellows, the luxury design and furniture brand, along with The Glass House in partnership with DWR, has announced the North American launch of the storied Johnson Kelly Floor Lamp. Originally designed in the 1950s, the floor lamp had been out of production since 1967 – until now.
“This is an incredibly special debut for us considering the close relationships we have with both The Glass House and BassamFellows,” says Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail for MillerKnoll. “DWR has partnered with The Glass House and The National Trust for Historical Preservation in various capacities over the years, and we are honored to be able to bring this remarkable piece, which carries so much history, to our customers. Craig and Scott have also been a part of our portfolio of collaborators for many seasons. Their designs are loved by the DWR community, and we are thrilled to be able to continue to expand their collections.”
When renowned architect Philip Johnson collaborated with pioneering architectural lighting designer Richard Kelly to create a light for the Glass House, the resulting design became a significant part of some of the 20th century’s most notable private interiors. The lamp’s sleek lines and elegant simplicity beautifully encase the intricacies of its function. It was a new way of lighting contemporary interiors with wide expanses of glass.
When the Glass House was completed in 1949, the sight lines from Philip Johnson’s transparent pavilion transformed the way people experienced architecture. Both outside and inside this glass box, everything was visible– from the shifting colors of the surrounding woodlands to the iconic daybed designed by Johnson’s mentor, Mies van der Rohe. It was a radical and refreshing way to live.
Drawing on his knowledge of stage lighting, Kelly helped design a lamp that turned the conventional approach on its head. Instead of overhead lighting, the lamp featured a concealed, high-powered bulb positioned near the floor. Its light was directed upward, then reflected downward by the underside of a conical shade. The result was a soft, warm pool of light that gently illuminated the seating area—without casting harsh reflections on the glass walls. It was also fitted with a dimmer, allowing Johnson to precisely control the light levels and maintain the delicate balance between interior and exterior.
“More than a fixture, the lamp was like a small piece of architecture within the larger structure,” describes Craig Bassam from BassamFellows. “The lamp had a purity of form and function that made it fit harmoniously within these new spaces. It also conjured a soft, sensual mood.”
The lamp would go on to appear in interiors commissioned by some of the most significant art collectors of the era. Later, it was added to the Hodgson House that Johnson designed in New Canaan, CT (1950-1951). Today, the home belongs to Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows. Shortly after moving in, they began exploring the possibility of licensing and reintroducing the lamp into production. Living with the piece in one of the spaces for which it was originally created reminded them of just how exceptionally well it works.
“By eliminating overhead lighting and minimizing interior reflections, the lamp allows the eye to focus on the architecture and the surrounding gardens,” added Scott Fellows from BassamFellows. “Its effect is subtly theatrical–part of an ensemble that shapes the ambiance of a room without dominating it. Simply put, the Johnson and Kelly Floor Lamp remains one of the most modern—and brilliantly conceived—lighting designs ever created.”
The Johnson Kelly Lamp will be in select DWR stores across North America and available through dwr.com. Retailing for $8,995, the lamp comes in Brass, Bronze and Stainless-Steel finish options.
The Philip Johnson and Richard Kelly Floor Lamp is an original and authentic design manufactured by BassamFellows under license and authorization from The Glass House, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Estate of Richard Kelly.
BassamFellows is a luxury design and furniture brand, co-founded in 2003 by architect Craig Bassam and creative director Scott Fellows. The brand is renowned for its philosophy of “Craftsman Modern”, a design approach that combines modernist principles with traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. The brand has collaborated with some of the most prestigious names in design and architecture, and their work is featured in high-end homes, boutique hotels/restaurants, and corporate offices. Their approach also extends beyond furniture, lighting and accessories to include interior design, architecture, and branding projects, further expanding their impact on modern luxury design.
The Glass House, built between 1949 and 1995 by architect Philip Johnson, is a site of the NationalTrust for Historic Preservation in New Canaan, CT. The pastoral 49-acre landscape comprises fourteen structures, including the Glass House (1949), and features a permanent collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures, along with temporary exhibitions. The campus serves as a catalyst for preserving and interpreting modern architecture, art, and a canvas for inspiration and design experimentation. The tour season runs from April through December. Private tours are available throughout the year.
DWR offers the best in authentic design from around the world, today. From renowned classics to icons of the future, we curate and create furniture, lighting, and decor that addresses evolving needs and celebrates modern living at its best. DWR’s unparalleled range of original and exclusive design spans all categories of the home, each piece embodying enduring quality and exceptional craftsmanship. Our collection is available to residential customers and trade clients across North America. DWR is part of MillerKnoll. Visit dwr.com for more