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Reference 19_3198

1930s MEK ELEK wall light

Era: 1930s Origin: UK

An original work light by British manufacturer Mek Elek from the 1930s. Positionable lights like this used to illuminate the workshop machinery and benches of factory workers. Now refurbished and sensitively restored retaining its original character, the light can be used as a wall light for task lighting or to illuminate a kitchen worktop.

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

Comprising a vitreous enamelled shade with a two arm construction, it features 180-degree rotation at the wall plate, with adjustment of the arms and full rotation of the shade. It still features multiple cast manufacturer's marks on the juncture plates and its original green paint finish is a testament to its heritage and age.

Manufacturer's catalogue

This image of our 1930s wall light by MEK ELEK is taken from a vintage Alliance & Surrey Wholesale’s General Catalogue, an original manufacturer's catalogue from our archive. 

Product details

The light is supplied rewired and tested with a new Bayonet (B22) switched lamp holder, traditional twisted 2.5metre black braided cable and a plug.

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140 (Shade) mm
1400 (max) mm
2.7 kg
1100 (max projection) mm
90 (base) mm
Green

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

MEK ELEK Engineering

Manufacturer: MEK ELEK Engineering

Founded during 1931 in London, UK, MEK ELEK specialised in the manufacture of the Mekelite lathe light, primarily for use within the aircraft industry. Pathé newsreels of the 1940s clearly show row upon row of munitions machinists, labouring away under the illumination of Mek Elek lights. Mekelite lights were available in a wide range of types and sizes for floor, bench, wall and ceiling applications - all versions being based around a similar family of components. It is not known what became of the company, but their designs have stood the test of time and remain one of our favourite brands of early industrial lighting.

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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.

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Applications

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A quick word from our customers

Great Lamp

Love the lamp - it is just what we needed to set off our new kitchen - will have pride of place over the breakfast bar. Excellent service from the company - was notified that delivery would be late by one day but was kept informed. Many thanks.

- Gordon | Glasgow | UK

Opaline Pendant 

Love it!

- Michael | Middlesex | UK

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

1930s industrial lighting by REVO

Very happy, arrived promptly and looks amazing. Bought as a feature hall light for our 1930's home renovation and really does the job!
 

- George | Kent | UK