Still going strong! More than 25 million L-1s have been sold world wide since it first came to market in the late 30-ies
The classic task light with adjustable arm was ”born” in the early 30-ies. The unique spring-balanced construction, which should imitate the human arm celebrated its first 70 years of existence with a special edition.
In 1936 the founder of Luxo, Jac Jacobsen, received two crane-like spring-balanced ”monster” task lights included in a shipment of sewing machines from England. Supposedly, these task lights were sent to help with the operation of the machines. Jac Jacobsen found the luminaires interesting and with potential, and he contacted the producer in England to get the distributorship for Norway. A license was given on the condition that he bought mechanical parts for 500 desk lamps, a substantial number at the time, and that he obtained product approval by the Norwegian safety authorities, NEMKO.
Jac Jacobsen named the task light Luxo L-1, and it was an instant success. The license was later extended to cover all countries outside the British Commonwealth. Hundreds of products have come and gone, but the L-1 is still going strong, only with minor changes compared to the original model, and it is just as popular as in 1937.
Luxo L-1 is available in several variants, e.g. The Great 1, which is a magnum version of L-1 (3.8 m long and 2.3 m tall). The two are identical in every detail, except for the size. The Great 1 luminaire will definitely attract attention in any room, office or reception. During the celebration year, two variants, one desk lamp and one floor lamp, with glass shade were also introduced to the market.
The L-1 is still in production, and more than 25 million (!) units have been sold world wide. And, Luxo has become a multinational company with production units in Norway, USA and Sweden.
Even in today’s generation of task lights one can see the relationship with the first Luxo task light. The light sources are less energy consuming, and the reflectors are more effective, but the basic philosophy of an arm easily positioned so that the light falls exactly where it is needed, still lives.
Despite many attempts to improve the L-1, as well as many more attempts to copy it, L-1 still remains one of the world’s best task lights.
Luxo will celebrate the L-1 in several ways during 2007. Among other things, several jubilee versions will be marketed.