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vintage 1920s library lights holophane steel and glass
Reference 16_2733

Early pendant lights by Holophane

Era: 1920s Origin: UK

Vintage pendant lighting manufactured by Holophane salvaged from a Victorian London library. Early 1920's pendants which have been carefully refurbished and reassembled by hand.

 

vintage 1920s library lights holophane prismatic glass and steel shades
vintage 1920s library lights holophane prismatic glass and steel shades
detail of steel shade neck shape and grey shade
Early pendant lights by Holophane above desk and sewing machine
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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original vintage lighting catalogue product information holophane

Restoration

The original finish has been retained on the outer steel shade with an interesting surface patina that has been waxed and sealed to prevent further ageing. The internal prismatic glass adds a lovely detail to these rare finds. The heritage of the products is emphasised by the cast manufacturers branding detail, which can be found on the neck of the shade.

grey braided cable industrial suspension wire

Product details

Each light is supplied with a new screw (E27) lamp holder, 2mtrs of suspension wire, elephant grey braided cable and 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).

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
Length:
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Colour:

320 mm
360 mm
4 kg
n/a mm
n/a mm
Grey | Silver

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

Holophane

Manufacturer: Holophane

Holophane was founded in London in 1896. The name is derived from the Greek ‘Holos’ meaning whole and ‘phanos’ meaning light. The hallmark of all Holophane lights are their borosilicate pressed glass refractors - these are prisms built into the glass giving it a ribbed appearance that produces a combination of uplight and downlight. It's this spreading or refracting of light, illuminating spaces evenly, that accounts for their popularity. The Holophane ribbed glass refractor is a true vintage icon, and as Holophane is still in existence, continues to be used by the lighting industry today.

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Featured in: Plain English Kitchen

A residential kitchen by Plain English featuring early Holophane pendants salvaged from a Victorian London library where they were discovered sealed behind a 1960s suspended ceiling.

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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

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

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Shipping

Our UK and international shipping and our no quibble return options explained.

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Applications

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

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Returns

Returns

All you need to know about our no quibble returns policy.

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A quick word from our customers

Wonderfully restored

Their product is invariably beautiful and wonderfully restored. To have lights that have seen so much and then get a second life is inspiring in many ways.

- Matthew | London | UK

Commendable service

We have often purchased from skinflint and the fittings are exactly as depicted, delivered on time & with excellent customer service.

- Doug | UK | Commercial client

Retro Czech wall lights

Thank you for the great service with the lights. I am thrilled with them.

- Vanessa | London | UK

Reclaimed British factory lights

Amazing! We are so so happy with our lights, they are beautiful, and we are so happy to have discovered you.

- Kim | Suffolk | UK