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Reference 19_3237

Holophane church lighting

Era: 1940s Origin: UK

A real one-off find, this 1940s wall light was manufactured by Holophane and salvaged from a church in Surrey, UK. Featuring the iconic Holophane prismatic glass shade, the original painted metal outer has embossed manufacturer’s markings, emphasising the heritage of the piece. The wall plate has twist and lock functionality so the light can be angled where required.

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

This floodlight was originally designed for building facades or grand interiors where a large areas required illuminating. This open type was particularly used for concealed lighting in churches and public buildings. A feat of engineering of its time, the prismatic glass shade was designed to enhance the light distribution, spreading or refracting the light, to illuminate spaces evenly.

Manufacturer's catalogue

This image of our 1930s Holophane church light is taken from 'Holophane: Catalogue No 4000' (1940), an original manufacturer's catalogue from our archive. 

Over the years, we’ve restored thousands of lights that would otherwise have been lost forever - examining, refurbishing and updating one part at a time. But we don’t only piece together the light’s components. We take the time to investigate its history, studying old catalogues for clues and assembling the whole story.

Product details

Supplied with a new screw E27 lamp holder. The light is suitable for use as both a wall and ceiling fitting.

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
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Colour:

265 (shade) mm
300 mm
1.8 kg
340 (projection) mm
n/a mm
Bronze

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

Holophane

Manufacturer: Holophane

Holophane was founded in London in 1896. The name is derived from the Greek ‘Holos’ meaning whole and ‘phanos’ meaning light. The hallmark of all Holophane lights are their borosilicate pressed glass refractors - these are prisms built into the glass giving it a ribbed appearance that produces a combination of uplight and downlight. It's this spreading or refracting of light, illuminating spaces evenly, that accounts for their popularity. The Holophane ribbed glass refractor is a true vintage icon, and as Holophane is still in existence, continues to be used by the lighting industry today.

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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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A quick word from our customers

Chapel opaline light

Arrived next day, beautifully packaged and perfect for my own chapel renovation!

- Kate | Powys | UK

Versatile light

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

It’s been a pleasure working with you!

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

Beautiful condition

I received everything in beautiful condition. Thanks. I'll share pictures after they have been installed.

- Melissa | New Orleans | USA