Learning through objects from the Islington Education Library Service’s handling collection
Anglepoise Lamp, 1930s, Original
We need different lighting for different tasks. If you are working at a desk at night - or sometimes even in the daytime - you need good, bright, light. And you may want to re-direct the light. The Anglepoise Light is a flexible desk light that has springs and, like a human arm, can move through different planes. The design was based on the constant tension principle of human limbs, and the light both looks and acts rather like a human arm It was designed by George Carwardine in 1932 and is still made today.
The Anglepoise Light has a steel and aluminium base, three arms, and an aluminium head. The head holds the light bulb.
The Anglepoise Light has a steel and aluminium base, three arms, and an aluminium head. The head holds the light bulb.
Height (fully extended):83cm Base Diameter:17cm
George Carwardine (1887-1948) was an automotive engineer who had a passion for springs. The springs so critical to the success of the Anglepoise light were actually invented first. The springs can move in all directions and hold a ridged position when positioned. Having invented the springs, Carwardine patented them, and then went on to develop the lighting system. His design for the articulated desk light that could be repositioned constantly resulted in an innovative product.
The design was based on the constant tension principle of human limbs, and the light both looks and acts rather like a human arm. The base is solid and heavy to keep the lamp stable as it changes position. The first arm is attached to the base and can move in a complete circle around the base. From the base the first arm rises up to its first joint, where it is attached to the second arm by bolts. It is given its flexibility by three tight springs that by stretching and contracting against each other allow the second and third arm, and the head, to move up and down. The second arm has a joint attaching it to the third arm. The joint enables the third arm to move back and forward. The third arm is attached to the head, which can swivel around the third arm.
The Anglepoise Light was mass-produced for over 50 years by Herbert Terry in Redditch. The famous Norwegian designer Jacob Jacobsen bought the patent in 1937. The Anglepoise Light has been copied by many, and has influenced generations of lighting designers.
Poor lighting in offices and homes affects performance, and so this lamp is extremely practical and functional, as well as elegant.
The design was based on the constant tension principle of human limbs, and the light both looks and acts rather like a human arm. The base is solid and heavy to keep the lamp stable as it changes position. The first arm is attached to the base and can move in a complete circle around the base. From the base the first arm rises up to its first joint, where it is attached to the second arm by bolts. It is given its flexibility by three tight springs that by stretching and contracting against each other allow the second and third arm, and the head, to move up and down. The second arm has a joint attaching it to the third arm. The joint enables the third arm to move back and forward. The third arm is attached to the head, which can swivel around the third arm.
The Anglepoise Light was mass-produced for over 50 years by Herbert Terry in Redditch. The famous Norwegian designer Jacob Jacobsen bought the patent in 1937. The Anglepoise Light has been copied by many, and has influenced generations of lighting designers.
Poor lighting in offices and homes affects performance, and so this lamp is extremely practical and functional, as well as elegant.
Height (fully extended):83cm Base Diameter:17cm
We need different lighting for different tasks. If you are working at a desk at night - or sometimes even in the daytime - you need good, bright, light. And you may want to re-direct the light. The Anglepoise Light is a flexible desk light that has springs and, like a human arm, can move through different planes. The design was based on the constant tension principle of human limbs, and the light both looks and acts rather like a human arm It was designed by George Carwardine in 1932 and is still made today.
The Anglepoise Light has a steel and aluminium base, three arms, and an aluminium head. The head holds the light bulb.
The Anglepoise Light has a steel and aluminium base, three arms, and an aluminium head. The head holds the light bulb.
