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Description
André Ricard conceived Tatu during a transatlantic flight in 1972. While reading about Argentine wildlife, he noticed that the focused light above his seat allowed him to continue without waking his sleeping wife. He named the lamp after the tatú, or armadillo, and developed a segmented body that could turn and fold to direct light precisely where it was needed.
Three glossy ABS sections rotate independently, allowing Tatu to shift between a compact bedside light, directional desk lamp, and shelf light. A movable lens changes the beam from a concentrated 30-degree angle to a broader 50-degree spread. The switch and dimmer are built directly into the lamp, providing continuous adjustment from off to full brightness.
Wall-mounting fittings are also included. When installed vertically, Tatu functions as a plug-in wall light rather than a hardwired sconce, making it useful beside a bed, reading chair, or shelf where permanent electrical work is not desired.
Santa & Cole’s current edition replaces the original light source with an integrated 6W LED that produces 171 lumens at a warm 2700K. The modest output and adjustable beam make it particularly suitable for reading, nighttime use, and illuminating a specific object or surface without casting unnecessary light across the room.
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