To mark the 90th anniversary of its Original 1227 Desk Lamp, Anglepoise is releasing a unique limited-edition of the lamp this September
Photography by Anglepoise featuring the limited-edition version of its Original 1227 Desk Lamp to mark 90 years of the iconic design
Words by Roddy Clarke
Previewed at this year’s Milan Design Week but officially launching in September, Anglepoise’s iconic Original 1227 Desk Lamp has had a makeover, but only for a limited run of 400 models. Regarded a design classic, thanks to its superior functionality and timeless relevance, the lamp has largely gone unchanged since its initial launch in the 1930s, a true testament to the creative team’s original vision.
Photography by Anglepoise featuring the new edition with its polished aluminium finish, brass components and a burgundy twisted cord
With the origins of the Anglepoise stemming from the garage workshop of automotive engineer George Cawardine, where he invented a new type of spring mechanism that forms the basis of the design, it wasn’t until he turned to spring manufacturers Herbert Terry and Sons when the first Original 1227 lamp was created in 1935. While maintaining its signature form, this new edition features a hand-spun, polished aluminium finish, refined brass components and a burgundy twisted cord. Each of the 400 models will be marked with a unique number etched onto its brass components and a 90th anniversary logo stamped onto the lamps base making it the perfect collector’s item.
Photography by Anglepoise featuring the base of the lamp, stamped with a 90th anniversary logo
Speaking of its timeless functionality and superior engineering, the brand’s Creative Director and fifth generation custodian, Simon Terry, says its lasting appeal lies in how it solves a genuine problem and has no frivolous parts. ‘It’s anthropomorphic form gives it a certain charm too,’ he states. ‘It moves like a human being, and it is that quirkiness, along with technical perfection, that makes the lamp inherently British.’ Terry also says this release is a chance to pause and reflect, while understanding what made the product great in the first place. ‘Not many products make it to 90 years, so first and foremost, it is about celebrating,’ he comments. ‘For us, that also meant going back to the product itself, stripping it back, in a sense. It is something Carwardine would be proud of I think.’
Photography by Anglepoise featuring the lamp’s brass fork block will also showcases the number of the model, marking its limited-edition release
With the iconic design having been a feature in the studios of famed creatives such as Pablo Picasso, Barbard Hepworth and Roald Dahl, getting your hands on this limited-edition is a chance to invest into its illustrious legacy. Added to this, the brand’s lifetime guarantee, which was introduced in 2020 and is a first for the lighting sector, means that it can be handed down to future generations making it a hallmark of quality design for years to come. Earning them a B-Corp certification in 2024, this commitment pays homage to the brand’s dedication to quality and service while also allowing for a circular economy to exist through repairs and component replacements.
When appreciating its utilitarian beauty, the honesty of the design’s engineering contributes to its long-lasting appeal. However, while staying true to the innovation the made it initially successful, the brand has also adapted throughout the years. ‘There is a constant need to evolve our understanding of colour, material, finish and the ways we can use those to keep our product visible and valuable to consumers in a changing world, while keeping up with the latest standards, particularly around lightbulbs,’ he continues. ‘But, most importantly, it’s about being bold and courageous. While this is a moment to look back at 90 years of Anglepoise, it’s just as much a springboard into the future.’
Over the next few months, the brand will also be launching a series of exciting projects looking at materials, surface finishes and graphic animation through partnerships with the University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea College of Art, The University of Portsmouth and Golden Wolf, which will be showcased at Material Matters as part of London Design Festival in September. With these launches and projects adding to the brand’s existing collaborations with names such as Paul Smith, Margaret Howell and Palace, it is a timely reminder of how, when centred on the right values, products can span eras, trends and generations with a beautiful and enduring relevance.
The new edition Original 1227 Desk Lamp by Anglepoise will be available to preorder online from 1st Sept, with a cost of £349.
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