A run of unusual 1950s rectangular enamel pendants, by British manufacturer 'Benjamin'. These enamel pendants were reclaimed from the basement archive of Bristol University Library, where they were originally installed in the 1950s. Refurbished by hand, the lights are complete with their original labelling, cast detailing on the polished brass galleries.
Lighting design in the UK benefitted from a free market. Different companies were working at the same time, designing and producing similar products for the same market. Often with only slight differences in their style, they constantly upgraded and improved their original designs. The products we salvage come from the old industrial heartland of England. This area of the UK was once the boiler room of the British economy - from the potteries of Stoke, through the engineering works of Birmingham, to the wool, textile and cotton mills of Oldham and Manchester.
View all lights from UKAt skinflint we respect and preserve the heritage of each piece. We take the time to investigate its history, studying old catalogues for clues and assembling the whole story. The extract shown featuring these lights is from our own internal manufacturers archive, an original 1950s Benjamin Electric Ltd, Industrial Reflectors catalogue.
Each light is supplied with a new screw (E27) lamp holder, 2mtrs of suspension wire, elephant grey braided cable and a ceiling mounting plate. (If you would prefer another colour cable, chain suspension or an E26 lamp holder for use in the USA, please just ask).
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Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.
The Benjamin Electric Manufacturing Company was founded by Reuben Berkley Benjamin in Chicago, Illinois in 1898. With the popularity of its lighting, the company expanded rapidly throughout the USA and Canada and then finally abroad, to England - more specifically London - which is where our shades were manufactured. Benjamin was a prolific inventor, mostly in the field of electric lighting. One of his most influential designs was the R.L.M. enamel shade - an influence so profound that this design is what we now recognise as the classic industrial enamel.
View all Benjamin Electric LightsAs well as offering a lifetime guarantee that includes repairs, our Full Circle buy-back scheme gives you the opportunity to trade-in your skinflint lights. It keeps vintage lights in use forever - helping you and our planet.
Trade in, get credit
Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.
Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.
Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.
I love it. It arrived quickly and in perfect order. Many thanks.
- Lucy | London | UK
Beautiful lights, exactly as described and photographed online, and with very quick delivery. Thank you.
- Henrietta | Kent | UK
What a great little product, saves masses of time and cost rewiring. Will be back for more!
- Chris | Gloucester | UK
We have often purchased from skinflint and the fittings are exactly as depicted, delivered on time & with excellent customer service.
- Doug | UK | Commercial client
