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Reference 20_3381

British pendant lights by Simplex

Era: 1940s Origin: UK

Originally manufactured in the 1940s by Simplex these two-part industrial enamel pendant lights were salvaged from a factory site in the UK. Beautifully manufactured, they comprise a contrasting vitreous enamelled steel reflector with small amounts of wear to the shade inline with their original use and age. Featuring an oxidised and sealed steel gallery with original cast manufacturer's details.

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

Over the years, we’ve restored thousands of lights that would otherwise have been lost forever - examining, refurbishing and updating one part at a time. Each light sensitively refurbished and brought back to life by our team, on this particular pendant the degraded surface has been removed and the cast steel oxidised and sealed by hand to create an interesting array of rich surface patinas.

Manufacturer's catalogue

We don’t only piece together our lights components. We also take the time to investigate its history, studying our archive of old manufacturer’s catalogues for clues to assemble the whole story. 

Product details

Supplied with a new screw (E27) lamp holder, 2mtrs of suspension chain, elephant grey braided cable and ceiling mounting plate. (If you would prefer another colour cable, wire suspension or an E26 lamp holder for use in the USA, please just ask).

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
Length:
Width:
Colour:

480 mm
610 mm
5.3 kg
n/a mm
n/a mm
Green | White (internal)

Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.

Simplex Electric Co

Manufacturer: Simplex Electric Co

Simplex Electric Co was formed in 1932 when Credenda Conduit Co and Simplex Conduits Ltd of Garrison Lane, Birmingham, merged. In addition to lighting equipment and conduits, the company began to manufacture Creda domestic cooking appliances. Between 1932 and 1965 Simplex Electric Co produced a wide range of lighting products but is primarily recognised for its early elegant prismatic street lanterns, bulkheads and latterly for linear industrial fluorescent fixtures. Then as the mass mergers of the 1960s unfolded, the company was bought by General Electric of the U.S.A. and production as Simplex stopped.

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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.

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light bulbs faq

Light Bulbs

Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.

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Shipping

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Applications

Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.

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Certifications

Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.

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Sustainability

Sustainability

Our carbon-neutral business policy and our commitment to looking after the planet.

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A quick word from our customers

Fantastic, so pleased

I have never received a more beautifully packaged item, the light itself is wonderful and we are very pleased. 

- Eleanor | Worcester | UK

Eastern Bloc Fluorescent LED

I've been admiring your lights for a while and the great work you guys do bringing them back to life... My Eastern Bloc LED light is now up and it's beautiful. Thanks for restoring such beautiful lights. 

- John | Kerry | Ireland

US shipment within days

Many thanks for your help. Paying customs was easy and arrival of shipment only took a few days. You made this transaction go so quickly and smoothly, I appreciate it.

- Leslie | Florida | US

Czech industrial pendants

The light works well because the industrial style and it complements the exposed brick walls and stone worktops in the kitchen.

- Charles | London | UK