Following on the heels of their first collection of O.C. White articulated lamps, Rejuvenation has produced their new Blenko collection that features dynamic glass bases and decorative finials recreated from patterns and glass formulas used to produce the original Blenko fixtures from the 1950s.

"We try and stay out of the way of the original design as much as possible when we produce a new collection," says Tim Wetzel, Product Design Manager at Rejuvenation. "At the same time, we have an eye towards designs that resonates with modern customers."

Wetzel and the rest of the Rejuvenation development team thought that the elegant shapes and vivid colors of the original Blenko lamps would compliment today's contemporary designs. They referenced vintage product info and worked with the current Blenko staff to recreate lamps first produced in the 1940s, '50s and '60s by Blenko's design directors Winslow Anderson and Wayne Husted.

"It's inspiring to see Rejuvenation's commitment to detail, accuracy and authenticity," says Husted, when asked about the new line of Blenko lamps.

Each Blenko piece is produced in the original West Virginia factory using traditional glass making methods and proprietary color formulas - some that haven't been seen in decades. A six person team crafts every glass base by hand, mixing sand and minerals, blowing the form into a mold and perfecting the shape before turning it over to another team at Rejuvenation's headquarters in Portland, Oregon for wiring and assembly.

The design team analyzed twenty-six original lamp shapes made by Blenko in the '50s and '60s before settling on the five classic shapes that comprise the Rejuvenation collection: Round, Wave, Cylinder, Carafe and Flare.

Each shape is offered in multiple colors that best compliment the shape and reflect current color trends.

"The original Blenko lamps were made in a wide variety of colors and we looked at everything from rich, saturated shades to ones that were more watery," says Wetzel. "We ultimately narrowed our selection down to colors that the entire group really liked and that spoke to what's happening elsewhere in modern design."

Rich Peacock blue and deep purple-red Amethyst made the cut along with soft Amber, Ice Blue, pale Olive green and clear glass.

The lamps also feature Blenko's hallmark glass finials that were based on the original stoppers used for Blenko glass vessels, as well as sustainably harvested Eastern Walnut wood bases and drum shades in burlap or (black or ivory) linen.

As to why they chose to produce this new generation of Blenko lamps, Wetzel says that Rejuvenation had been thinking about "portable" lighting for some time.

"You can hardly think about mid-century lighting without thinking about Blenko lamps,” says Wetzel. "Since becoming part of the Williams-Sonoma family, we felt Rejuvenation now had the resources to make this happen. It's been a big opportunity for us and we’re very excited about what we've created together with Blenko."

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About Rejuvenation
Since 1977, Rejuvenation has been built on a passionate love affair with history, architecture, and bringing back the best lighting and house parts ever made. We obsess over the details of period authenticity and great design like no one else. All our lights are handcrafted for you and made to order in Portland, Oregon. Check our newest store in Berkeley, CA!