I recently acquired a big catalog of Moe Lighting from 1969. I find many of them “amusing” and at first glance, “tacky.” But you know me — give me enough time to absorb the aesthetic and soon enough, I’m in luv. Take the chandelier above. It was only a few weeks ago that I learned about brutalist style. So now I can slot this lighting design right into that movement… kinda combined with Mediterranean, I’d say — and appreciate the combo totally. Hey, I’d put it in my house!
We first saw the Moe Honeycomb lighting, above, in Granada Hill Greg’s house — be sure to see that story, it goes all the way back to the early days of the blog, June 2008. Granada Hills Greg is a neighbor of LA Leslie. Remember how we helped her and husband Aaron win the contest that got their “Kramer House” named the “favorite residence in LA?” This lighting sure is gorgeous — the colors are called Tangerine-Gold and Emerald-blue.
Across the page from Honeycomb is the Fiesta, above. “Vibrant Fiesta… Moe Light’s response to the refreshing trend toward colors. Deep color bars form brilliant contemporary mosaics,” the catalog says. Note the little R-254 near the bottom left. That’s a tube-ish that attaches to recessed can lighting. The same basic design is available for the Honeycomb. Can you imagine!
This style of pendant light is popular and available again today.
This family of lighting (there is a second page in the gallery) is called “Lancelot.” As if King Arthur and Guinivere and the gang are about to dine, perhaps? Tee hee.
Before I serve up all the photos in a slide show — and yes, there are more! — I had to showcase this one, above. It is being called “modern” yet reflecting the “robust romanticism of Florence.” Morever: Note the Monstera Deliciosa in the background. The quintessential mid century modern house plant — again!
What fun!
frank says
We had the green Lancelot chandelier hanging above our kitchen table in the early 1970s. I remember that you could pull it up and down. We also had a matching ceiling fixture.
Puddletown Cheryl says
Oh, Sarah. You made me lol. We called, many long years ago, the plant in the background, Philodendren. Am I wrong?
Geronimom says
It IS a philodendron – or form of one, known as a “monstera deliciosa”. We have the “split leaf philodendron” version growing wild all over the backyard of our new home here in Florida (along with giant “elephant ear plants, as well) – some of which are seriously 7-8 ft. tall with leaves that are almost 2 ft. long! Looks like a tropical jungle out there! I’m told they are not native to the area (originally from central/south America, I believe?) and most probably were planted when the home was built in 1960 – guess they just kept growing! Apparently they’re pretty easy to keep 🙂
Amy says
Oh, wow Pam! What a find! I am printing out the page of the Fiesta fixtures. My mother picked up a couple for me years and years ago at a Church rummage sale, and I’ve been in love with them since!
Also, if you watch the movie Anchorman with Will Ferrell, you’ll notice a few of these shades in his oh-so-hip bachelor pad!
Tina says
I LOVE Moe Lighting and now I know why. My parents had several of their fixtures way back in the 60s and I didn’t realize it until recently. I just bough the Fiesta pull down from Craigslist – courtesy of the forum where I saw it first. Its huge, but I love it!
sarah says
I love them all, but I have to say my favourite is the top photo…’one chandelier to rule them all…’
pam kueber says
Oh, yes, very Lord of the Rings!
Gretchen S. says
Glorious! Love the quintessential shapes and colors. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Eartha Kitsch says
Oh wow! If only we could have this selection these days!
jdill says
I have two of the “contemporary” lights (M2112) in my pink guest bathroom. I also have several of the others. I don’t mind some of them, but others….eeech. I wish I had hung on to them long enough to sell on eBay! Good stuff.
denised says
I would so hang the “modern” one, it has the hint of glamour to it…and are those beetles in relief in the chrome? or is that my wishful thinking? THAT would be the best!
John says
Hi Pam, great lighting images. I actually have the Vibrant Fiesta in the hanging model. My friend Jim remodled his home and didn’t want it. He owns a home in Amherst,MA from the late 60’s that was a collaborative with Umass. Post and beam homes with open floor plans and large walls of glass that look out onto communal tracks of woods. All power lines are underground also. I’m still looking for a place to use it in my 1959 ranch.
John aka AtomicHipster