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Vintage British factory lights by Simplex

suspended green enamel factory pendant with cast steel gallery
Reference 15_2454

Vintage British factory lights by Simplex

Era: 1930s Origin: UK

Salvaged industrial pendants by British manufacturer 'Simplex' with an unusual vitreous enamelled reflector with a ribbed neck detailing and a two-part lacquered cast steel gallery, featuring manufacturer's branding and details.

internal view of enamel shade with cast steel gallery by Simplex
profile view of ribbed enamel shade by simplex
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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detail view of cast steel gallery with manufacturers detailing by Simplex

Restoration

Once a light has undergone preparatory treatment and the degraded surface has been removed, we then begin the journey to bring it back to life. At skinflint we tend not to repaint surfaces, this would make the lights look too ‘new’ and they’d lose some of their individuality. So, with ferrous metals such as iron and steel, we linish the surface on large rotating wire wheels adding depth, grain and highlights to the casting details and bringing out the light’s character through surface and patina.

grey fabric braided power cable with galvanized chain and ceiling rose

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:

470 mm
400 mm
3.6 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.

Trade in, get credit
skinflint, full circle
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

Stunning French factory lights

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

- Henrietta | Kent | UK

A real gem!

What a great little product, saves masses of time and cost rewiring. Will be back for more!

- Chris | Gloucester | 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!

- Monique | USA | Commercial client

1950s Eastern Bloc machinists lights

These lamps are so practical yet elegant and unique. They’ll add a lot of character to our plain kitchen. The service levels were high - responsive and helpful.

- Clara | London | UK