Exploring the Inner Workings of Artemide Tolomeo: A Guide to the Parts

The Artemide Tolomeo is a well-known and popular lamp designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987. Since then, it has become a classic icon of modern lighting design. One of the reasons why it remains so popular is because it is highly adaptable and customizable, thanks to its many different parts that can be manipulated to create a unique and personalized lighting experience. In this article, we will examine the various parts of the Artemide Tolomeo and their functions.

The Lamp Arm

The lamp arm is the main body of the Tolomeo, and it consists of three main parts: the base, the arm, and the head. The base is the part of the lamp that connects to the surface it will be sitting on, and it has a weight to keep the lamp stable. The arm is the part between the base and the head, and it can be adjusted to different angles and directions. Finally, the head is the part that holds the bulb and casts the light. All three parts are connected by a series of joints that allow for maximum flexibility and adjustability.

The Joints

The joints are what make the Artemide Tolomeo so versatile. They allow for the lamp to be adjusted to different positions and angles, making it useful in a wide range of settings. There are four types of joints that can be found in the Tolomeo: swivel, tension, spring, and washer. The swivel joint allows for rotation and movement of the arm, while the tension joint provides stability and support. The spring joint defines the position of the arm, and the washer joint allows for fine-tuning and adjustment.

The Lamp Head

The lamp head is where the bulb is housed and it is responsible for casting the light. There are two types of lamp heads available for the Artemide Tolomeo: the traditional diffused version and the newer LED version. The traditional version features a diffused glass shade that softens and spreads the light, while the LED version has a more modern look and provides more direct and focused illumination.

The Bulb

The type of bulb that can be used in the Artemide Tolomeo depends on the version of the lamp head. The traditional version can use incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, while the LED version requires an LED bulb. The wattage limit for the bulb depends on the size of the lamp, and it is important to not exceed the maximum wattage indicated on the lamp.

The Accessories

There are many different accessories available for the Artemide Tolomeo that can further customize and personalize the lamp. Some of these accessories include different colored lamp shades, additional arms for an even larger range of movement, and different types of bases. There are also wall-mounted versions of the Tolomeo available that feature the same joints and adjustability as the desk lamp.

The Materials

The Artemide Tolomeo is available in several different materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and black polymer. The type of material used can affect the overall look and feel of the lamp, and it is up to the individual to decide which material best suits their needs.

The Artemide Tolomeo is a classic modern lighting design that remains incredibly popular and versatile even after over 30 years since its creation. The lamp’s success is due, in part, to its many different parts and accessories that allow for maximum customization and adjustability, making it useful in a wide range of settings. Whether it is used as a desk lamp, a bedside reading light, or a wall-mounted fixture, the Artemide Tolomeo is an excellent example of timeless and functional design.