This bulkhead is a brilliant example of 1930s industrial lighting. Made by Simplex, the manufacturer's detailing emphasises the British heritage of the light. The authentic finish has been retained to the two-part steel enclosure, along with the original prismatic glass refractor which is designed to enhance 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 are fascinated by interesting surfaces and patinas. That’s why we tend not to repaint the lights we reclaim and restore, instead sensitively refurbishing taking care to preserve each light’s individual character. During restoration, some surfaces are often sealed using crystalline waxes or occasionally left raw so the surface can develop an interesting lustre over time. The original catalogue featured is from our own internal archive.
Supplied with a screw E14 (or E12 for USA) lamp holder. Suitable for use as both wall and ceiling fittings.
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Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.
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.
View all Simplex Electric Co 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 carbon-neutral business policy and our commitment to looking after the planet.
Arrived next day, beautifully packaged and perfect for my own chapel renovation!
- Kate | Powys | UK
Great light. It looks very smart. I was initially worried that it might be slightly big for the room (we don't have high ceilings) but it looks great and I am really pleased with it.
- Carineh | Oxfordshire | UK
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
I received everything in beautiful condition. Thanks. I'll share pictures after they have been installed.
- Melissa | New Orleans | USA
