Gubi Bestlite: A Timeless Icon in Lighting Design
Introduction
Gubi Bestlite is a classic and iconic lamp created in 1930 by British designer Robert Dudley Best. The lamp has stood the test of time and is still widely popular today, almost a century later. The design’s longevity is evidence of its unique and timeless qualities. In this article, we will explore the history and features of Gubi Bestlite in detail and why it remains an inspiration for modern lighting design.
History of Gubi Bestlite
Robert Dudley Best was born in 1892 in Newcastle in England. He came from a family of craftsmen and started his career as a metalworker, studying at a technical college in Birmingham. He then went on to join the Royal Air Force during World War I, where he used his skills for aircraft design. In 1925, Best later went on to create his own lighting company, Best & Lloyd, which would later be acquired by Gubi in 2004.
Bestlite was born in 1930 when Best designed a lamp for his own use that would accommodate his use of drawing table. He wanted a lamp that had both flexibility and functionality. The design caught the attention of an architecture critic, who saw Best’s creation and requested that he makes twenty sets for offices at the London Law Society. Bestlite soon became the go-to desk lamp in government buildings, followed by a fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld picking it up as his reading lamp.
Features of Gubi Bestlite Design
Gubi Bestlite’s design is incredibly minimalistic and simple. It comprises a lampshade and a movable arm that enables it to be positioned in various directions for any lighting needs. The design’s aesthetics play with balance, proportion, and form, making it a timeless beauty. The structure uses chrome or brass, with the shade made of matte black or white metal. The lamp’s design was revolutionary at the time of its creation, heralding in a new era of minimal design.
Gubi Bestlite’s Versatility And Functionality
One of the design’s unique features is its flexibility and functionality. The movable arm means the lamp can adapt to a range of settings, including table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lamps. The versatility in terms of lighting needs and interior design ambitions means the lamp can act as a design feature in the room, enhancing its visual aesthetics.
Why Gubi Bestlite Has Stood The Test of Time
A timeless design like Gubi Bestlite’s speaks to a universal language, where form and function come together to create something spectacular. Over the years, the Bestlite design has stood as a hallmark of good taste and quality, embodying a quest for simplicity in form and function. Moreover, the lamp’s iconic style has crossed over to various sectors such as fashion, architecture, and art.
The Role of Gubi Bestlite in Modern Lighting Design
Gubi Bestlite’s design has inspired many subsequent lighting design works. The minimalism and the incorporation of the metal shade and movable arm mean that the lamp can be used in various commercial and residential settings. Today’s designers look back at the classic Gubi Bestlite design, taking from it inspiration and purpose to create modern lighting features. In this way, the legacy of Gubi Bestlite remains at the forefront of lighting design.
Gubi Bestlite remains one of the most iconic and leading designs in lighting history. The design’s simple aesthetic and functionality are the main reasons why this lamp has remained popular over the years. The versatility that Gubi Bestlite offers in terms of movements, color, and different lamp versions lends it to becoming a valuable object for any designer to reference.