109 - JOAN ANTONI BLANC (Tortosa, 1940–2025) for Tramo.

JOAN ANTONI BLANC (Tortosa, 1940–2025) for Tramo. “Cilindro” table lamp, c. 1970. White acrylic. Signed. Measurements: 56.5 x 28 x 28 cm. The “Cilindro” lamp series was conceived in 1966, at a time when designers associated with the ADI-FAD were advocating for functional, austere design free of superfluous ornamentation. The table lamp version, marketed by Tramo in 1967, is made of molded white methacrylate and features a cylindrical form pierced by a circular opening that allows light to shine through. A discreet metal element secures the lamp holder. The originality of the piece lies in the reduction of the lamp to its essential element Joan Antoni Blanc was one of the founders of the Eina School and a leading advocate for incorporating technological knowledge and orienting design toward industrial applications. He specialized in the field of design, focusing on furniture and lighting for domestic, urban, and office settings, although he also created several designs related to sailing, auto racing, and motorcycling. In 1972, he founded “Estudi de Disseny Blanc,” bringing on Pau Joan Vidal—an industrial designer trained at the Massana and Elisava schools—as an assistant; Vidal later became his partner. He also served as president of the Association of Professional Designers from 1986 to 1989 and participated in the creation of BCD. Among the products developed by Blanc, the “Cónica” lamp (ADI-FAD Gold Delta in 1965), the “Cubiform” cabinet and drawer system, the “semi-spherical” lamp (ADI-FAD Gold Delta in 1966), the “Torre de Babel” expandable furniture set, the “Globo” lamp (ADI-FAD Silver Delta in 1968), the “Perfils” shelving and storage system, the “Sinclina” lamp (ADI-FAD Silver Delta and Best Spanish Design Award at the Madrid Fair in 1991), the “Prima 1000” shelving system, and the “Escala” lamp. The Barcelona Design Museum houses part of his archival collection and three pieces designed by Joan Antoni Blanc: the “Cubiform” cabinet and the “Escala” and “Sinclina” floor lamps.