Bill Curry

A key figure in the world of 1960s and '70s lighting design, Bill Curry brilliantly encapsulated the essence of the Space Age era through his iconic creations. His innovative approach, as reflected in his groundbreaking Stemlite series, redefined the design of traditional lamps of the time. Rather than a base-and-bulb approach, Curry created his distinctive “total look” aesthetic: a lamp that celebrates the exposed bulb in a self-contained decorative unit. The trailblazing concept remains influential to this day. 

For his work, Curry tapped into the creative cradle of Los Angeles—the city he called home until his death at the young age of 43—to embody the dynamism of the decades shaped by the space race and pop culture. He effortlessly melded art, design and engineering in his remarkable portfolio of work that included not just indoor lighting but also outdoor lighting. Curry’s much-loved Obello Portable Night Lamp for Gubi featured a sinuous mushroom shape and an ingenious mobile design (no plugs!). 

At Dshop, we proudly celebrate Billy Curry’s enduring influence on contemporary lighting with his inimitable Stemlite line.