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Sept. 15, 1951. "Ludwig Baumann, Grand Central Palace Exhibit. Library with model." A Baumann Brothers furniture display at the National Homefurnishings Show. Large-format acetate negative by Gottscho-Schleisner. View full size.
That's exactly the kind of lamp or standalone sculpture you see in movie sets of high-class, tony, latest-style living rooms and penthouse suites in films of the 1940s. I can just see Joan Crawford reaching to switch it on right before she knocks it over with her shoulders.
It's unusual to see the photographer's lights and equipment in a shot on Shorpy. This is obviously a master shot which would be cropped later, for advertising or editorial use.
My dad had a few of those photoflood light reflectors, like the ones on the right. When not in use and taken off the light socket I thought they looked like cartoon character Tom Terrific's "thinking hat".
I would love to have all of this in my house. Even the big cat lamp.
I'd kill (not literally) for that desk, the chairs and coffee table would be nice too, the lamp not so much but I'll take the shade.
for when they invent those newfangled computer thingys.
It's funny how much this reminded me of Ikea -- the little model rooms placed side-by-side offering the promise of coordinated, stylish decorating. Maybe they should start hiring models to sit in their various living spaces.
Actually, a lot of this furniture would fit right in there, although maybe not that lamp! Wonder if those books are fakes too -- probably not!
No stylish home is complete without one.
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