Bent Karlby is widely regarded today as one of Denmark’s most productive and versatile lighting designers of the 20th century. He started his collaboration with LYFA in the 1940s, which was a partnership that would last nearly four decades. Bent Karlby is known for his soft light, organic shapes and hallmark peepholes. During his career, Karlby moved more towards pure geometric shapes such as the cone, cylinder and arc along with playful colours. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bent Karlby never employed staff in his studio. He wanted things done his way and was known for his uncompromising work ethics.
Among his most famous works are the Peanut, China, Japan, Mosaik, Ninotchka, Barcelona and Pan pendants, the Ergo table lamp as well as the Peacock, Quadrille, Pan and Gothic wall lamps.