Modernica History:

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The history of Modernica:

In 1989, Modernica was founded by Frank Novak and Jay Novak in Los Angeles, California. From early on, Modernica had a huge success with the Nelson bubble lamp series and their mid century modern fiberglass chairs. The George Nelson bubble lamp design dates back to the late 1950's and early 1960's. In 1959 Arturo Eisenkeil from Merano, an importer of cocoon (a spray-on plastic coating produced in the United States) was tracking down possible applications for this new material. He joined forces with Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina and set up a company to produce lighting fixtures. This marked the beginning of the long-standing association between companies including Howard Miller and Flos. Howard Miller produced the George Nelson lamp series which were named the Bubble lamps. And the Castiglioni brothers and Tobia Scarpa designed the Viscontea, Taraxacum, Gatto and Fantasma for Flos. All these icons of modern lighting provide tangible proof of their timeless appeal since they remain very popular up this day.

Modernica reproduces exceptional mid-century modern furniture designs of the Case Study House program (1945-66) which was an exceptional, innovative event in the history of American architecture. The program's chief motivating force was Arts & Architecture editor John Entenza, a champion of modernism who had all the right connections to attract some of architecture's greatest talents, such as Richard Neutra, George Nelson, Charles and Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen. One of the first manufacturers to rediscover and relaunch out-of-production furniture by mid-century designers, Modernica embraces the modernist movement democratic ethos. Frank Novak, who owns the Los Angeles company with his brother, Jay, explains: Richard Neutra, George Nelson, Charles Eames, they were all concerned with making design available to the masses.

The Modernica modern lighting collection from Los Angeles is one of the most captivating lighting collections you will ever see. The lighting collection includes classic mid century modern lamps which are perfectly suited for both residential and commercial uses. The Modernica lighting collection designed by George Nelson includes table lamps, floor lamps, wall sonces, chandeliers and pendant lights.