Ingo Maurer (1932-2019) was a visionary German designer and lighting pioneer, often referred to as the "poet of light." Known for his imaginative and avant-garde approach to lighting design, Maurer’s work transcended the boundaries between function and art, creating pieces that were as much about emotional expression as they were about illumination.

Maurer founded his own company, Design M, in 1966, where he produced his first iconic lamp, Bulb. The Bulb lamp, a simple yet bold tribute to the lightbulb itself, became a design classic and was quickly included in the Museum of Modern Art’s collection in New York. His designs often played with humor, whimsy, and unexpected elements, challenging traditional notions of lighting.

Throughout his career, Maurer worked with innovative materials, blending modern technology with playful, poetic designs. Notable pieces include the Lucellino, a lightbulb with angel-like wings, and the Zettel’z chandelier, which allows users to clip personal notes and drawings onto the light fixture. His work was not limited to residential spaces—he also designed large-scale lighting installations for public spaces, corporate offices, and art exhibitions.

Ingo Maurer’s pieces often incorporated cutting-edge technology, such as LEDs and OLEDs, but he always emphasized the human and emotional connection with light. His work received numerous awards, and he is regarded as one of the most influential lighting designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Maurer collaborated with other designers, including his wife, Dorothee Becker, and was involved in the creation of iconic pieces like the UTEN.SILO storage system. His legacy continues to inspire designers around the world.