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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. Converted for use in the US and worldwide. IP20 for internal use only.

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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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