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Reference 13_1761

Vintage British Enamel lighting

Era: 1950s Origin: UK

Large elliptical angled English factory shades by "Benjamin" salvaged from an engineers workshop in Holyhead. Angled to illuminate a wall or object and provide an elliptical light distribution.


 

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

As shown these lights were utilised within industrialised areas including car production lines from the advent of electrical lighting through to the late 1960s. The vitreous enamelled reflectors hold the original manufacturers and installation labels and are complete with lacquered steel galleries. Slight localised wear to the surface adds character and emphasises the industrial heritage of the products. The extracts shown are from our own internal manufacturers archive and taken from the ''The commercial application and uses of Electric Discharge lighting by Benjamin" Dated 1936.

Product details

Each light is 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:

n/a mm
520 mm
2.5 kg
400 (Shade) mm
300 (Shade) mm
Grey (White Internal)

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

Benjamin Electric

Manufacturer: Benjamin Electric

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.

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Featured in: Claud W. Dennis, London

A new independent coffee shop designed by Avocado Sweets. Reviving many of the shop's original features with cutting-edge technology, seamlessly incorporated into the vintage look.

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A quick word from our customers

Beautiful Light! 

I toyed with this light for ages before I bought it, thinking it was a lot of money. When I eventually ordered and received the light, I was not disappointed. I love this light, so heavy, chunky and in my eyes, gorgeous. It will look brilliant in my dining room, in my newly renovated farmhouse. 

- Tina | Cheshire | UK

Beautiful light

What a great light - we're really happy with it! Delivery time was really quick too. Will be purchasing other lights from you in due course.

- Dan | Wiltshire | UK

It’s been a pleasure working with you!

I’ve had a difficult time communicating with multiple European-based companies for different projects. skinflint were wonderful and extremely punctual, even with the time difference!

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Thank you skinflint for allowing me to add character to my espresso bar and work desk space! And thanks as well for the fabulous customer service.

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