An original work light by British manufacturer Mek Elek from the 1930s. Positionable lights like this were once used to illuminate the workshop machinery and benches of factory workers. Now refurbished and sensitively restored retaining its original character.
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 UKComprising a vitreous enamelled shade with a three-arm construction, it features 180-degree rotation at the wall, with adjustment of the arms and full rotation of the shade. The original cast manufacturer's marks are retained, with a contrasting polished aluminium gallery and original paint finish reflective of its authentic heritage and age.
The light is supplied rewired and tested with a new bayonet (B22) lamp holder and a twisted black braided cable. Suitable for wall and table mounting.
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Diameter:
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90 (shade) mm |
Supplied wired and tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.
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.
View all MEK ELEK Engineering 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.
Stunning items.
- Martin | London | UK
Lighting is critical to any room and when it came to putting the finishing touches to our vintage kitchen, we came to skinflint - and we found exactly what we wanted.
- Estelle | London | UK
Thank you for the great service with the lights. I am thrilled with them.
- Vanessa | London | UK
Thank you skinflint for allowing me to add character to my espresso bar and work desk space! And thanks as well for the fabulous customer service.
- Nicholas | Colorado | US
