The Laurel Lamp Company
Introduction
The Laurel Lamp Manufacturing Company Inc. (often referred to as the Laurel Lamp Company or Laurel) was an American manufacturer of lamps and home furnishings operating in Newark, New Jersey from 1946-1981.
The Laurel Lamp Company was founded in 1946 in Newark, New Jersey by Max Weiss, and his two sons, Murray and Harold Weiss.
Laurel stood out for its era-defining mid- century modern designs, exceptional mechanical engineering, unique constructions, and flawless finishes.
Most notably Laurel was known for prolific mid-century modern lighting designs including its iconic “mushroom” lamps, brutalist style lighting, Italian inspired arc lamps and other more traditional offerings.
In its commitment to the highest standards of production, the Laurel Lamp Company chose to produce and design most components in-house —including casting, plating, polishing, and assembly —with the notable exception of importing glass from across Europe.
The company’s design work was overseen by co-founder and president Harold Weiss and was supplemented by collaborations with notable designers including Pierre Cardin, the House of Salviati in Murano, Italy, and Bijan of California, among others.
By 1965 Laurel had expanded across the United States with permanent showrooms in New York, Dallas, Chicago, High Point North Carolina, & Los Angeles. In March 1969, Laurel’s nationwide reach lead to its sale to the Lightron Corporation, a division of Instrument Systems Corporation (known today as Griffon).
Throughout the 1970s, Laurel built a global reputation for innovative high-quality lighting designs spurred on by a collaboration with the famed Murano glassmakers the House of Salviati in 1971 and culminating in a 1977 collaboration with internationally acclaimed French designer Pierre Cardin (1922-2020).
Laurel remained under the leadership of president and co-founder Harold Weiss until 1979 before the company’s eventual disappearance from the home furnishing market in 1981.
The Laurel LegacY
Today, vintage Laurel lamps have become highly collectible and have amassed a worldwide following. Laurel pieces can widely be purchased online through most major online auction sites in the United States and abroad.
Many vintage Laurel pieces remain fully functional with original electronic components and intact factory finishes due to Laurel’s emphasis on high quality manufacturing.
In popular culture, Laurel lamps have become emblematic representatives of mid-century modern design.
Over the past 60+ years, Laurel lamps have been featured in mainstream newspapers, magazines, television and movies highlighting the company’s ability to adapt to contemporary style while still producing timeless lighting designs.
