The Sowden Lamp PL4 pairs clever engineering with George Sowden’s distinctive design language. When connected via USB, it functions as fixed lighting — ideal for a desk, bookshelf or bedside. Unplug the cable and two rechargeable Li-ion 18650 batteries take over, transforming the lamp into a portable light for terraces, picnics or power-free corners of the home. Three touch-controlled brightness levels peak at 250 lumens from the Sowden LightDisc 01 LED, offering up to thirty-six hours of soft, steady glow on a single charge.
The PL4 is available in a range of colour pairings that are quietly expressive. Sowden is known for reimagining everyday objects with playful geometry and surprising colour. This lamp continues that legacy with combinations like butter yellow and pale blue, or warm grey with rose — tones that feel at once contemporary and nostalgic. The silicone shade casts a warm, diffused light and can be removed easily for cleaning.
Compact in size and generous in effect, the lamp measures 180 mm wide and 155 mm high. The painted aluminium body and ABS base are lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for homes, cafés and restaurants. The two Li-ion batteries charge in approximately four hours and can be swapped for fully charged spares — a practical solution for venues needing uninterrupted light.
George Sowden, a founding member of the iconic Memphis Group, has spent decades reshaping how we live with objects. His work brings together the logic of industrial design with the warmth of domestic life — designs that don’t shout, but gently shift the atmosphere. With the PL4, he offers a portable light that feels considered, optimistic and made to last.
Designed in Milan.
