white semi matt / brass - Bestlite BL1 - Gubi

The Bestlite BL1, created in 1930 by British designer Robert Dudley Best and reissued by Danish publisher Gubi, is an iconic table lamp that embodies the functional elegance of Bauhaus design. With its timeless aesthetics and ingenious mechanics, it remains a benchmark in the history of industrial design, prized for its simplicity and versatility.

Design and features

The Bestlite BL1 features a conical shade in lacquered steel, available in classic finishes such as matt black, white, grey or porcelain, combined with a base in brass, black brass or chrome. Mounted on a height-adjustable (from 51 to 83 cm) and tilt-adjustable articulated arm, it rests on a weighted circular base for stability.

The swiveling shade allows light to be precisely directed, offering ideal flexibility for a desk, bedside table or reading corner. With a base diameter of 21 cm and a 16 cm shade, its compact, adjustable design combines robustness and refinement, inspired by the clean lines of 1930s modernism.

Background and heritage

Robert Dudley Best (1892-1984), heir to the family business Best & Lloyd and trained in design in Düsseldorf and Paris, designed the BL1 under the influence of the Bauhaus movement, which he discovered while studying in Germany. Inspired by the work of Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, he sought to create a lamp that was both practical and aesthetically pleasing, breaking with the Victorian ornamentation of the time.

Introduced in 1930, the Bestlite became famous when Winston Churchill used it on his desk, a symbol that propelled its popularity. Its blend of industrial functionality and British sophistication made it a classic, adopted in offices, hotels and homes around the world.

Reissued by Gubi

Gubi, a Danish publisher renowned for reviving design treasures, took over production of the Bestlite BL1 after acquiring the rights to the Bestlite collection in 1989, rescuing the brand from oblivion. Made from high-quality materials - steel, brass and chrome - this high-end piece retains Best's original spirit while meeting contemporary standards.

It will appeal to design enthusiasts looking for a versatile, historic fixture capable of bringing a touch of timeless elegance to their interiors.