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Reference 14_1814

Ball bearing factory lights

Era: 1950s Origin: UK

Large run of vintage British industrial lighting by 'Thorlux' salvaged from a ball bearing factory in the South Midlands, UK. 

UK

Origin: UK

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.

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Restoration

Polished aluminium gallery with vitreous enamelled two part reflector containing remnants of the original manufacturers decal stating: 'Thorlux. Slip it on, slip it off over the lamp for cleaning.'

Product details

Supplied with new screw (E27) lamp holders, 2mtrs of industrial steel suspension chain, elephant grey braided cable and ceiling mounting plate.

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
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355 mm
390 mm
2.1 kg
n/a mm
n/a mm
Green (White Internal)

Supplied tested to BS EN60598. Converted for use in the US and worldwide. IP20 for internal use only.

Thorlux

Manufacturer: Thorlux

Thorlux was founded by Frederick William Thorpe in 1936 in Small Heath, Birmingham. The company produced vitreous enamelled shades for lighting factories, workshops, mills and farm buildings during the progressive industrialisation of the 1930s through to the 1950s. Thorlux is still in existence over 75 years later, manufacturing a comprehensive range of professional lighting and control systems for architectural and industrial applications. The classic enamel shades from the 1950s with the distinctive Thorlux branding are one of our firm favourites.

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Lights for life

As 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
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light bulbs faq

Light Bulbs

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A quick word from our customers

1940s industrial lights

The quality of what I bought (being around a third of the cost of their top end items) is exceptional. Recommended.

- Steve | London | UK

British Factory Light

I am very pleased with my purchase, it finishes off my dining room just perfectly. 

- David | East Sussex | UK

Stunning French factory lights

Beautiful lights, exactly as described and photographed online, and with very quick delivery. Thank you.

- Henrietta | Kent | UK

Beautifully restored Thorlux pendants

The lights definitely bring a sense of authentic character and history to the space. It's the truth when I say I had the lights before I even had final house plans! 

- Leslie Huntley | Roost Interior Design | US