Gijs Buis Homepage Blog November 2, 2025 Curt Fisher Founded in 1919 by Curt Fischer, Midgard revolutionized the world of lighting with the invention of the first electrically adjustable lamp. This groundbreaking innovation introduced a new way to interact with light, allowing users to direct and control illumination with precision. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to discover everything about Midgard and fall in love with its story and designs, just as we did. Fischer’s vision of functional, adaptable lighting laid the foundation for modernist design and influenced iconic movements such as Bauhaus. Today, Midgard continues to shine as a beacon of craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation, offering timeless designs that bridge the gap between history and contemporary needs. The Birth of Adjustable Light: Curt Fischer’s VisionThe story of Midgard begins in Auma, Thuringia, Germany, where Curt Fischer took over the Industriewerk Auma in 1919. Originally a factory for industrial porcelain machinery, Fischer transformed the company’s focus, renaming it Ronneberger & Fischer in honor of its founder, Konrad Ronneberger, who had died during World War I. Fischer’s engineering genius soon became evident as he tackled a pressing problem of the time: inadequate workplace lighting.With industrialization in full swing, workers often labored late into the night under dim and static overhead lighting, which cast shadows over their workspaces. Fischer saw an opportunity to create a solution. In November 1919, he patented his first adjustable lamp, a scissor-arm wall lamp that allowed users to position light exactly where it was needed. Unlike traditional lamps, Fischer’s design stayed in place once adjusted, thanks to its innovative, maintenance-free joints. This invention marked the birth of what we now know as adjustable lighting, earning Fischer the title of “Father of Directed Light.” Designing for Bauhaus: A Partnership of Function and AestheticsMidgard’s influence on the Bauhaus movement is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy. When the Bauhaus school relocated to Dessau in 1926, its founder, Walter Gropius, and other prominent figures, including Marcel Breuer, embraced Midgard’s lamps. These designs were not only functional but also embodied the clean lines and modernist ethos central to Bauhaus principles. Midgard lamps illuminated the studios, ateliers, and even the Dessau Masters’ Houses, including Gropius’s own home.Gropius and Fischer shared a professional relationship, exchanging letters about design and functionality. Fischer often sought Gropius’s advice, and in turn, Gropius supported Fischer’s innovative ideas. Marianne Brandt, a Bauhaus student and renowned designer, admired Fischer’s work, famously stating: We later envied the inventors of the Midgard lamp’s arm. Our lamps were adjustable too, but they simply weren’t as elegant. Marianne Brandt, Bauhaus Designer Resilience Through Adversity: Midgard’s Journey Through the 20th CenturyDespite its early success, Midgard faced significant challenges during the tumultuous 20th century. During World War II, Fischer resisted the Nazi regime, refusing to convert his factory into a war production facility. Instead, the company continued to produce lighting, even under severe material shortages. Fischer’s commitment to quality and innovation remained unwavering, as he continued to develop new designs, including a nearly two-meter-long wall-mounted arm lamp ideal for illuminating drafting tables.After Fischer’s death in 1956, his son Wolfgang Fischer took over the company. However, in 1972, the East German government nationalized the business, renaming it VEB Industrieleuchtenbau Auma and merging it with other state-run enterprises. Despite these setbacks, Wolfgang Fischer managed to preserve the Midgard trademark and patents, ensuring the brand’s survival. During this period, Midgard’s designs continued to evolve, with the company even producing a spring-balanced lamp that became a global success through a partnership with IKEA. A New Era: Reviving the Midgard LegacyFollowing German reunification, the company was privatized, but financial challenges persisted. In 2015, Midgard found new life when entrepreneurs David Einsiedler and Joke Rasch, founders of the Hamburg-based furniture company Ply, acquired the brand. They relocated the production facilities from Auma to Hamburg, restoring the original tools and archives while modernizing the manufacturing process.In 2017, Midgard reintroduced its iconic Modular Lamp, originally designed in the 1930s. This modular, adjustable lamp exemplifies the brand’s commitment to blending historical authenticity with modern craftsmanship. The relaunch was followed by the reintroduction of the Federzugleuchte and the K831 Pendant Lamp, both of which have become sought-after pieces for design enthusiasts and collectors. Ayno: A Modern MasterpieceIn 2020, Midgard unveiled its first new design in over 50 years:the Ayno Lighting Family, created in collaboration with renowned industrial designer Stefan Diez. This minimalist, adjustable floor lamp redefines modern lighting with its sleek design and sustainable approach. The Ayno was first showcased at the IMM Cologne furniture fair and quickly gained acclaim, winning the German Sustainability Award Design 2021, the first sustainability award of its kind for design. Midgard's Iconic Designs A Testament to Timeless CraftsmanshipMidgard’s collection includes some of the most iconic lamps in design history. Each model reflects the brand’s dedication to functionality, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Notable designs include:113 Desk Lamp: Also known as the “Whip” for its curved arm, this Bauhaus-era classic was favored by Walter Gropius himself.K831 Pendant Lamp: Originally designed as a work lamp, its industrial elegance makes it a centerpiece in dining rooms, studios, and offices.Midgard Spring-Balanced: A spring-balanced lamp that became an international bestseller.Midgard Modular: One of the first modular, adjustable lamps, reintroduced in 2017. Midgard 505 Rated 0 out of 5€ 915,00 incl VAT Select options Midgard 551 Rated 0 out of 5€ 895,00 incl VAT Select options K831 Rated 0 out of 5From € 235,00 incl VAT Select options Midgard Spring-Balanced Floor Lamp Rated 0 out of 5€ 795,00 incl VAT Select options Midgard 556 Rated 0 out of 5€ 1.425,00 incl VAT Select options K830 Rated 0 out of 5€ 1.890,00 incl VAT Select options The Philosophy Behind the Snake Logo Midgard’s logo, a snake, symbolizes flexibility, adaptability, and precision, all of which are core values of the brand’s design philosophy. The snake represents the ability of Midgard lamps to adjust seamlessly to the needs of their users, a concept that has remained central to the brand for over a century. However, the logo also carries a deeper layer of meaning, rooted in Norse mythology.The snake in the logo alludes to the Midgard Serpent, also known as Jörmungandr, a mythical creature from Norse mythology. Jörmungandr is one of the three children of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboða. According to the myths, this serpent was cast into the ocean by the god Odin, where it grew so large that it encircled the entire world, biting its own tail. This act of encircling the earth made Jörmungandr a symbol of infinity, interconnectedness, and balance, qualities that resonate with Midgard’s vision of creating adaptable and enduring lighting solutions that seamlessly integrate into any environment. The Role of Jörmungandr in Norse MythologyJörmungandr plays a significant role in the Norse cosmology, particularly in the apocalyptic prophecy of Ragnarök, the end of the world. During Ragnarök, the serpent is fated to rise from the ocean, unleashing chaos and clashing with the thunder god Thor in a final, cataclysmic battle. Thor ultimately defeats Jörmungandr, but not without a cost; the serpent’s venom fatally wounds Thor, showing the immense power and danger that Jörmungandr embodies.This duality of Jörmungandr, as both a protector and a destroyer, mirrors the challenges and triumphs faced by Midgard as a brand throughout its history. From its innovative beginnings under Curt Fischer to its revival after periods of adversity, the company has continually adapted to overcome obstacles, much like the mythical serpent’s resilience.Symbolism of the Snake in Design PhilosophyThe snake’s ability to adapt and move fluidly is a perfect metaphor for Midgard’s lamps, which are designed to provide customizable and precise lighting solutions. Like Jörmungandr encircling the world, Midgard lamps are meant to “embrace” and enhance the spaces they inhabit, offering both functionality and aesthetic harmony. The logo’s connection to Norse mythology also reinforces the brand’s commitment to heritage and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from a timeless story to create products that stand the test of time.The Snake as a Timeless SymbolBeyond mythology, the snake has long been a universal symbol of transformation, renewal, and adaptability, as it sheds its skin to grow. This idea aligns with Midgard’s ongoing innovation in lighting design, constantly evolving while staying true to its roots. The snake’s cyclical nature, biting its own tail, also speaks to the concept of sustainability and enduring quality, values that are integral to Midgard’s philosophy.By combining the practical symbolism of flexibility with the rich, mythical significance of Jörmungandr, the Midgard snake logo encapsulates the essence of the brand: a perfect blend of history, innovation, and timeless design. Why Midgard Stands Apart Midgard lamps are more than just lighting fixtures, they are pieces of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. For over a century, the brand has consistently delivered designs that are functional, adaptable, and timeless. Midgard’s commitment to sustainability, with all production taking place in Germany using local suppliers, ensures that every lamp meets the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility.Whether it’s a classic model like the K831 or a contemporary creation like the Ayno, Midgard lamps embody a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire. With a perfect blend of heritage and modernity, Midgard offers lighting solutions that are as versatile as they are iconic. Dealer of Midgard Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content? At BINK, we see every piece of feedback as an opportunity to improve. Consider this text a diamond in the rough, continuously refined to perfection. 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