Classic British industrial factory shades by Benjamin, salvaged from an electrical substation in the North West, UK. A vitreous enamelled reflector complete with a refurbished lacquered steel gallery. The asymmetrical shade is angled to illuminate the wall, object or floor below, creating an elliptical light distribution.
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.
View all lights from UKAt skinflint we respect and preserve the heritage of each piece. We take the time to investigate its history, studying old catalogues for clues and assembling the whole story. The extrat shown is from our own internal manufacturer's archive and taken from the ‘The commercial application and uses of Electric Discharge lighting by Benjamin’ dated 1936.
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).
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Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.
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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Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.
Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.
Our zero-carbon business policy and our commitment to looking after the planet.
Great lighting website with some awesome fittings - very helpful in answering queries and assisting in how to dismantle / assemble for fitting.
- Simon | Edinburgh | UK
We found exactly what we wanted at skinflint: large industrial pendant lights from an old Dunlop Aerospace factory. They fill the space beautifully and we often get asked where they were sourced. With such heritage attached to them, they are like a piece of history that adds to the modern vintage feel we wanted to create.
- Estelle | London | UK
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
Your service was impeccable & your beautiful quirky stock of the highest quality. I was lucky enough to visit your HQ in Cornwall whilst on holiday near there. What a wonderful creative sustainable environment you work in. Such a fabulous range of interesting industrial lights. I am delighted with my runway light & will tell everyone where it’s from!
- Pippa | London | UK
