Retro industrial duty hand lamp

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

We often write about industrial lighting of the vintage variety; task lamps that have been rescued from the mills, factories and workshops of the North of England. Not everyone likes vintage – some people are happier with new versions that have the look, and are in mint condition and spotless. We were contacted by PIB to review one such item – their industrial duty hand lamp.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

Sometimes you can view items online and they look great, but then when they arrive you’re disappointed by the quality. Definitely not the case with this item. It’s got weight and solidity to it, with nice detailing and an excellent finish. It’s a good large size too, measuring 45cm in length.

Detail from a retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

The bulb cage is made of silver-plated brass with a stained wooden handle.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

We’re big fans of this type of lamp as they’re both functional and attractive, adding a touch of vintage industrial style to any space.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

They’re also very flexible when it comes to use.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

There’s the practical task lamp facility to start with – a lamp that can easily be moved around the house, garage or workshop for bright, directional light.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

And when it comes to decorative use their are a host of options. They can be hung from the long flex and attached to the ceiling, they can hang from wall mounts and hooks – or they can simply lie flat on shelves and tables. There’s no risk of fire or damage as the cage protects surfaces from the direct heat of the bulb.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

We’ve been trying it out in various sites this week and have become very fond of it already.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

We’ve got lots of dark corners in our house, so it’s going to come in useful. It also works well with other industrial look pieces that we have.

Retro industrial task lamp | H is for Home

It’s most definitely a keeper!!

Light show

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collection of vintage industrial lights hanging in a row

A couple of weeks ago Justin bought one of these vintage industrial lights at Todmorden flea market.

collection of vintage industrial lights hanging in a row

As he turned to walk away someone who’d been standing next to him at the stall tapped him on the shoulder. He said that he had quite a collection of similar lamps at home, would he be interested in buying any more?

detailed view of vintage industrial light

Yes!

pair of vintage industrial lights

He arrived the following week with a cardboard box full of these gorgeous vintage task lights. They’ve got such a great look – industrial & almost sculptural.

collection of vintage industrial lights hanging in a row

They’re well designed, robust and functional – and the grippers mean they’re very flexible with regards to positioning. Perfect in the kitchen, office, craft or sewing area.  Anywhere you need a good, clear task light.

Another angle

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Classic vintage black 1227 Anglepoise lamp

Our last post featured an interesting ‘industrial design’ coffee pot / percolator. It’s still unidentified!

original vintage 1950s black 1227 Anglepoise lamp

Here’s another great example of industrial design… bought at auction last week. Unlike the coffee pot, we know a lot about this item.

detail from original vintage 1950s Anglepoise 1227 lamp detail from original vintage 1950s Anglepoise 1227 lamp

It’s a classic Anglepoise lamp designed by George Carwardine. This is the ‘1227’ model licensed to Herbert Terry & Sons – the ‘2-tiered base’ version produced from 1938 until 1969.
detail of base of original vintage 1950s Anglepoise 1227 lamp

This is a fantastic early example with original paint finish, wiring and Bakelite switch. In superb condition and still fully working.

manufacturer detail from original vintage 1950s Anglepoise 1227 lamp

A design classic indeed – here’s a more detailed history from the Design Museum. and a newspaper article from 2009 about its reissue.