The Marbro Lamp Company Metalwork
The Marbro Lamp Company was one of the finest lamp producers during the mid-1900s. Its pieces were mainly sold in a handful of exclusive furniture shops. Marbro was the go-to supplier of Hollywood Regency and mid-century modern style lighting for interior designers. Its table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and wall sconces have graced the homes of many celebrities.
Brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company in 1934. Its name is a combination of “Markoff” and “brothers.” The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles.
Vases and objets d’art, sourced from all over the world, were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials.
Marbro lamps were one-of-a-kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro’s shop. Some metal and glass pieces went through paint or staining treatments. The company’s best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects.
The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Marbro Lamp Company lighting, decorative objects and more.
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Creator: The Marbro Lamp Company
Asian Brass Elephant Head Urn Table Lamp by Marbro
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Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Asian brass urn or vase featuring elephant head handles converted into a table lamp by Marbro Lamp Co. The urn is mounted on a brass base with a lotus blossom form and topp...
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20th Century American Hollywood Regency The Marbro Lamp Company Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Brass
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The Marbro Lamp Company metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.
The Marbro Lamp Company metalwork are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of The Marbro Lamp Company metalwork, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original metalwork by The Marbro Lamp Company were created in the Hollywood Regency style in united states during the 20th century. Prices for The Marbro Lamp Company metalwork can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $1,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,200.
Questions About The Marbro Lamp Company Metalwork
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024No, the Marbro Lamp Company is not still in business. The Masco Corporation acquired the company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990, and its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to La Barge Mirrors, a Masco subsidiary, in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended. Find a diverse assortment of Marbro Lamp Company lighting on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024The history of Marbro lamps dates back to 1934, when brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company. The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles. Vases and objets d'art sourced from all over the world were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials. Marbro lamps were one of a kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro's shop. The company's best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects. The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Marbro lamps.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023There is no single best company for table lamps. A well-crafted antique or vintage table lamp does more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior, and over the years, many manufacturers and designers have offered a range of visually appealing table lamps. Examples include Artemide, Gordon Jane Martz, FLOS, Søholm Stentøj, Louis Poulsen and many others. Shop a large collection of table lamps on 1stDibs.