Anglepoise

Every iconic design originates from a genuine need. In the early 1930s, automotive engineer George Carwardine had a lightbulb moment: wouldn't it be great to create a work light that could be moved in any direction over a desk? This simple problem needed a solution, and thus an icon was born. For almost 90 years, the progressive British brand Anglepoise has made slight tweaks to the original Anglepoise Lamp without ever losing sight of its primary function and unique form. Today, these original designs, along with some new ones, continue to be produced to the high standards set in the early 1900s.

In 1932, Carwardine, while developing new concepts for vehicle suspensions, stumbled upon a groundbreaking formula for a new kind of spring mechanism. Originally conceived for vehicle suspension systems, this ingenious invention possessed a remarkable quality – it could be positioned at any angle with the lightest touch. Recognizing its potential beyond automotive applications, he envisioned a work light that could be adjusted effortlessly, maintaining its position without the need for clamps. This led to the creation of the first Anglepoise lamp, a design that has remained largely unchanged for over 80 years.

The original four-spring design was intended for working environments, such as workshops and medical settings. However, Carwardine also designed a three-spring version for domestic use, which was patented in 1934. This model, known as the 1227 Anglepoise, was released in 1935 and became extremely popular in homes.

During World War II, the Anglepoise lamp found its place in military applications. The brand manufactured Anglepoise Navigator Lamps for bomber planes, highlighting its durability and functionality. A testament to its robust design, a lamp recovered from a Vickers Wellington bomber submerged in Loch Ness for around four decades still worked after being given a new battery.

In the early 2000s, as sales declined, the company enlisted industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange to revamp the Anglepoise line. This collaboration led to the introduction of new designs that honored the original while incorporating modern aesthetics and functionalities.

Today, Anglepoise continues to collaborate with renowned designers like Margaret Howell and Paul Smith, resulting in special editions that blend classic design with contemporary flair. For instance, the Type 75 Desk Lamp, Margaret Howell Edition, introduces a smart Sienna color into the best-selling Type 75 collection.

At Shophorne, we offer a curated selection of Anglepoise products that exemplify the brand's commitment to quality and design. Here are some top picks:

Original 1227 Mini Ceramic Table Lamp
This compact yet powerful lamp features the classic, instantly recognizable shade alongside a newly designed pyramid-shaped base with an integral switch for effortless control. Standing at 20.5 inches, it's perfect for any desk or table.

Type 80 Table Lamp
Distinguished by a striking, graphic profile, the Type 80's design is further enhanced by an attractive 'halo' light-escape feature in the shade. Every detail has been carefully considered and precision-engineered to deliver streamlined style and ease of use.

Original 1227 Wall Mounted Lamp
Our sturdy, multi-purpose Original 1227 wall-mounted lamp, with its flexible shade, articulated bracket, and perfect balance, gives you all the benefits of the Original 1227 desk lamps in a stylish, wall-mounted form.

Anglepoise stands by the quality of its products with an ironclad lifetime guarantee. When a repair isn’t possible, they will replace your light and responsibly recycle the old one. This commitment ensures that your Anglepoise lamp remains a lasting part of your space.

Incorporating an Anglepoise lamp into your environment means embracing a piece of design history that continues to evolve while staying true to its original purpose. Explore our collection at Shophorne to find the perfect Anglepoise lamp that meets your needs and complements your style.

When was Anglepoise established?

Anglepoise is a renowned British lighting company known for its iconic and innovative desk lamps. The company was established in 1932 by George Carwardine, a British automotive engineer. Carwardine's invention of a unique spring mechanism enabled him to create a balanced and adjustable task lamp that could be positioned in various ways without tipping over.

What was the first Anglepoise lamp?

The first Anglepoise lamp, known as the Anglepoise Original 1227, was introduced in 1933. It quickly gained popularity and became an iconic design, renowned for its functional flexibility and timeless aesthetic. The company continued to develop and refine its lamp designs over the years, introducing various models and adaptations to cater to different lighting needs.

What makes Anglepoise lighting so popular?

Anglepoise lamps have been used in a variety of settings, from offices and workspaces to homes and even in iconic films and television shows. They have become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and innovative design.

Since its establishment, Anglepoise has remained a prominent player in the lighting industry, continuing to produce and expand its range of lamps, including floor lamps, wall lamps, and pendant lamps, while staying true to its original principles of functionality, balance, and adjustability.