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.
View all Benjamin Electric LightsAs 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
Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.
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.
Totally gorgeous; I love it. Delivery was very fast too. I now have two choices (a) ration visits to this website or (b) buy a bigger house with space for all the stunning lights!
- Jean | London | UK
We have often purchased from skinflint and the fittings are exactly as depicted, delivered on time & with excellent customer service.
- Doug | UK | Commercial client
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
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
