Théros is an ongoing creative project that draws inspiration from Mediterranean summers and warm childhood memories to create new lighting objects.
Initiated by Studio Aristotelis Barakos, the project is based on a methodology of collaboration and the vision to reveal the potential of small local workshops and artisans.
“Warm air filling your lungs. Dry grass whispering in the wind. A white light ricocheting on everything, making you blink. This is the definition of theros, the Greek word for summer.”
While growing up in Munich, Germany, designer Aristotelis Barakos used to visit Greece, his paternal homeland, with his family for the holidays.
Some very specific sensations are associated with these trips, like the strong gush of hot air as he exited the airplane, the dry grass lining the country roads and the blinding Mediterranean light that made him squint for days.
The Théros project seeks to evoke these sensations through objects and experiences.
The Théros collection of lighting objects consists of a series of tabletop lamps, each a poetic design gesture that combines a clean-cut, balanced form with a personal, heartfelt story.
The lamps’ figures evoke, in their simplicity, the image of a person in the sun, narrating a timeless story of peaceful holidays basking in soft, milky light. Their strong personality is elegant and understated, yet at the same time playful, lovable, and cheerful.
Each lamp’s body is made of marble, its head an opaque glass sphere,and its lampshade a handmade straw hat. The hat rests lightly on the glass sphere and can move freely in any direction, creating different lighting conditions and transforming the mood of the lamp. The marble bases and straw lampshades are made locally in collaboration with small workshops, emphasizing craftsmanship and strengthening the objects’ sense of origin.
All Théros lighting objects feature a palette of materials that celebrate their Mediterranean character. The marble bases are crafted from selected stones from across the Mediterranean landscape, including Volakas marble, Tinos Verde marble, Ritsona Red marble, and Petra Grey marble, each bringing a distinct expression while maintaining the identity of the collection. Due to the natural patterns of the stone, every lamp is unique.
The collection is conceived as an evolving material system, allowing for further customization and the development of additional materials upon request.
This is the first edition of the lamp, released in 2020 in a limited amount. As with every lighting object in Théros, it features a palette of materials that celebrate its Mediterranean character.
Available in Ritsona red, Tinos verde, Petra grey (shown above), and Volakas white marbles
This version is the smallest member of the family and was created in 2022. It is characterised by its cute personality and the way the opaque glass head is balanced on its spherical body.
Available in Ritsona red (shown above), Tinos verde, Petra grey, and Volakas white marbles
A taller character also became part of the family in 2022. Its narrow body creates an interesting contrast with its glass head and straw hat.
Available in Ritsona red, Tinos verde (shown above), Petra grey, and Volakas white marbles