An exceptional and rare pair of custom table lamps designed by legendary Hollywood decorator William “Billy” Haines, created for the estate of Ted Graber—Haines’ protégé and successor, decorator to President and Nancy Reagan. These 1960s lamps exemplify Haines’ refined neoclassical modernism and tailored Hollywood Regency style.
Each lamp features a tall, hand-painted Chinese porcelain vase, detailed in cobalt blue with traditional figures and calligraphy. The bases are custom painted wood, grounding the sculptural silhouette in elegant contrast. The custom square linen shades add a refined finish, complementing the clean geometry of the overall design. Great care was taken in preserving the integrity of the porcelains with a custom mount that didn’t require that the vases be drilled to accommodate the wiring. A clever “French mount” allows the wire to run thru the square tube on the backside of the lamps which then secure the vases to the base. This leads me to believe the vases may be quality antiques as was often the case. Please see photos.
An interesting side note, I sold these lamps 20 yrs ago and they have come back to me to find them a new home!
Provenance: From the personal estate of Ted Graber, Los Angeles. Graber was a central figure in 20th-century American interior design, and pieces from his collection are rarely seen on the market. These lamps are not only striking decorative elements but also storied examples of Hollywood’s golden age of design.
