A LOOK INTO THE PAST The Anglepoise lamp, an engineering invention that has become a design icon

The Anglepoise lamp was developed in the early 1930s in Great Britain by engineer George Carwardine. An automotive suspension specialist by trade, Carwardine worked on shock-absorbing systems in vehicles. He applied his knowledge of this field to the development of a mechanism for a lamp that could be precisely adjusted and held in position without any additional tools.

In 1932, he designed a mechanism based on a system of springs and joints that allowed the user to effortlessly move the lamp in all directions while keeping it stable. The first model was put into production three years later, in 1935, in collaboration with the spring manufacturer Herbert Terry & Sons. The model was called the Anglepoise 1227.

George Carwardine – an automotive engineer with an idea

This table lamp quickly found application in offices, workspaces, and homes. Its mobility, precision, and technical simplicity distinguished it from other lamps on the market, which until then were mostly fixed and static. Anglepoise became recognizable for its industrial look and functionality, and over time, a symbol of technical innovation in everyday objects.

Despite numerous reinterpretations and modern versions, the basic working principle of the anglepoise lamp has remained the same to this day. Due to its importance in the history of design, it is considered one of the classics of 20th-century industrial design. century.

More than a lamp – Anglepoise as a symbol

The Anglepoise lamp played a particularly important role during World War II, when it was used in military workshops and command centers. Its ability to direct light precisely onto a work surface was crucial in technical and mechanical work. Due to its robust construction and reliable mechanism, many lamps from this period remained in use for decades after the war, further confirming the quality of the original design. Over time, larger models adapted for industrial use were also produced, including versions for mounting on walls and ceilings.

Despite technological changes and the development of new materials, Anglepoise has retained its basic design from the 1930s. In the 21st century, it has regained popularity, especially among lovers of classic design and interior architecture. The manufacturer has expanded its range to include new models and colours, including collaborations with renowned designers such as Sir Kenneth Grange. The lamp has also been featured in museum exhibitions dedicated to industrial design, such as London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, confirming its status as a cult object in the history of lighting.