An original 1930s factory work light by British manufacturer Mek Elek. Positionable lights like this were once used to illuminate the workshop machinery and benches of factory workers. Retaining its unique character with the original paint finish, the wall light has been sensitively restored, waxed and sealed by hand to prevent further degradation.
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 UKIn the mid 20th century, lights were designed with care and made to last. The work we do at skinflint is based on respecting and preserving the heritage of each piece. We have three guiding principles: to salvage the best lighting from the 1920s to the 1970s; to restore every piece sensitively - without compromising its character; and to restore each fixture to the highest modern standards.
The light is supplied rewired and tested with a new Bayonet (B22) switched lamp holder.
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Diameter:
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140 (shade) mm |
Non standard delivery. 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.
Good product listings with careful explanations.
- Robert | Chichester | UK
The light works well because the industrial style and it complements the exposed brick walls and stone worktops in the kitchen.
- Charles | London | UK
My beautiful lamp arrived and the bespoke adaption is fabulous - this beauty is now mobile in my art studio, perfect for when I’m washing down my silk screens or doing detailed pencil work at my desk.
- Nicola | Woodford Green | UK
Just sharing a couple of images of our beautiful skinflint lights in our new renovation. We are SO happy with them and we get compliments on them from everyone who visits.
- Anna | NSW | Australia
