Anglepoise

In 1885 Herbert Terry & Sons was established. In the 1930s George Carwardine developed a concept for balancing weights using springs & levers. Using springs from Herbert Terry & Sons, a patent was filed by Carwardine and the first Anglepoise lamp was born. The 3-spring model, the 1227, became an instant classic.

See an early Angelpoise lamp in The Science Museum collection

In recent years, Anglepoise lighting has seen a renaissance with new technologies and new designers - such as Kenneth Grange, creator of the new London cab, who has updated and expanded the range. In 2009 Anglepoise celebrated 75 years by reissuing the original 1227 Lamp. Further collaborations with Paul Smith and Margaret Howell have catapulted the humble Anglepoise lamp into the world of high fashion. 

See our collection of Paul Smith Anglepoise desk lamps

See our collection of Margaret Howell Anglepoise desk lamps

The iconic design was placed on a Royal Mail Stamp celebrating British Design classics, including the Mini, the Concorde, the Routemaster bus & the Spitfire.

Learn more about Anglepoise and George Carwardine

The Anglepoise Original 1227 Desk Lamp is one of Britain’s most enduring design icons, and in 2025 it celebrates its 90th anniversary with a striking limited edition release. We have secured stock of the Original 1227 Desk Lamp – 90 Years Limited Edition Raw which pays homage to George Carwardine’s groundbreaking design of 1935 while presenting a fresh interpretation for contemporary collectors. Sadly now sold out.

This numbered edition, restricted to just 400 pieces worldwide, features a polished and lacquered raw aluminium finish that highlights the lamp’s industrial heritage. Brass details accent the fittings, shade cap and spacers, lending warmth and refinement to the cool metallic body. A burgundy braided fabric cable introduces a subtle note of colour and texture, balancing the lamp’s mechanical precision with artisanal charm.

True to its legacy, the lamp retains the celebrated constant-tension spring mechanism that allows effortless positioning, ensuring the 1227 remains as practical as it is beautiful. Each lamp carries an engraved 90th-anniversary logo and its unique edition number, underscoring its exclusivity.

The 90 Years Raw edition is more than a functional object; it is a piece of design history. It celebrates Anglepoise’s lasting influence while offering enthusiasts the chance to own a collectible that bridges past and present with elegance and ingenuity.

About George Carwardine

George Carwardine may not be a household name, but his invention changed the way we think about task lighting forever. Born in 1887, Carwardine trained as an automotive engineer, specialising in vehicle suspension systems. His fascination with springs and mechanical balance led him away from cars and into the realm of lighting design.

In 1932, he developed a unique constant-tension spring mechanism that allowed a lamp to be effortlessly adjusted and held in almost any position. This innovation was not only technically brilliant but also profoundly practical, offering unprecedented control of light in the home, studio or workplace. To showcase the mechanism, Carwardine created the Anglepoise lamp, a design that would become an enduring symbol of functional modernism.

The first Anglepoise, the 1208, was introduced in 1933, followed by the sleeker Original 1227 in 1935. Its blend of utility and elegance made it an instant success, both commercially and culturally. The lamp has since become a fixture in design museums, artists’ studios and millions of homes worldwide.

Carwardine’s genius lay in translating engineering precision into everyday design. By merging mechanical ingenuity with human need, he created a product that transcended its utilitarian origins to become a true design classic.

Five interesting facts about Anglepoise:

• Invented by an automotive engineer
  The Anglepoise lamp was created in 1932 by George Carwardine, an engineer specialising in vehicle suspension systems. His constant-tension spring mechanism, originally intended for cars, became the foundation of the lamp’s unique balance and flexibility.

• A design icon in pop culture
  Anglepoise lamps have appeared in films, advertising and art. The most famous tribute is Pixar’s animated mascot, Luxo Jr., which is based on an Anglepoise lamp and has become an enduring symbol of creativity.

• Endorsed by the British military
  During World War II, the Anglepoise 1209 model was adapted for military use, mounted inside tanks and aircraft thanks to its rugged build and adjustable design. Its reliability under tough conditions cemented its reputation.

• A permanent museum piece
  The Anglepoise is not only a household object but also recognised as a design classic. It’s part of the permanent collections at institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and MoMA in New York.

• Collaborations keep it fresh
  Beyond its heritage, Anglepoise continues to reinvent itself through collaborations with leading designers like Paul Smith and Margaret Howell, who have reimagined the lamp in bold colourways and finishes, keeping it relevant for new generations.

Five Ways to Style a Classic Anglepoise Lamp

A classic Anglepoise desk lamp is one of those rare design icons that seamlessly bridges practicality and artistry. Its timeless engineering and elegant balance make it adaptable to almost any setting — from industrial studios to calm reading corners. Here are five ways to style and use it beautifully.

1. Industrial Minimalist Workspace

In a pared-back industrial setting, the Anglepoise lamp feels perfectly at home. Place it on a raw wood or metal desk where its mechanical precision can shine. A matte black or brushed steel finish complements the aesthetic, while the exposed springs and joints echo the utilitarian charm of the space. With a few concrete accessories and an uncluttered surface, the lamp becomes both a practical tool and a sculptural centrepiece.

2. Mid-Century Modern Reading Nook

In a cosy reading nook inspired by mid-century design, an Anglepoise can bring warmth and character. Choose a heritage shade — olive green, mustard, or cream — and position it beside a teak armchair or small bookshelf. Its purposeful shape pairs beautifully with the organic curves and warm woods of the era. The light becomes a comforting presence, inviting you to settle in with a favourite novel.

3. Contemporary Home Office Accent

On a sleek, modern desk, an Anglepoise can act as both illumination and bold punctuation. Opt for a vivid color such as cobalt blue or red to add contrast against a minimalist white or glass workspace. In this environment, the lamp’s crisp geometry draws the eye and injects energy, transforming it from a simple desk accessory into a confident design statement.

4. Bedside Task Lamp

The Anglepoise’s adjustable arm makes it an ideal choice for a bedside companion. A smaller or classic model on a nightstand provides perfect directional light for evening reading, while its poised form brings a touch of thoughtful design to the bedroom. Paired with soft linens and neutral tones, it creates a restful yet sophisticated atmosphere — practical by night, sculptural by day.

5. Artistic Display Piece

Beyond its functional role, the classic Anglepoise lamp can be appreciated purely as an object of design. Placed on a sideboard, console table, or shelf, it can be angled dynamically to create a sense of movement and rhythm within a display. Surrounded by framed artwork or ceramics, the lamp becomes a piece of living sculpture — a celebration of British design and the enduring beauty of well-balanced form.

For a detailed history of Anglepoise click here.