Anglepoise

The British brand Anglepoise needs no introduction! Its timeless, industrial 1930s style has made the original model a true design icon around the world.

It was in his garage workshop that automotive engineer George Carwardine first sketched out the design for the Anglepoise work lamp in the early 1930s. Quickly embraced in homes, it became an iconic object, recognized for its expressive silhouette and its engineering—as precise as it is elegant. Since its inception, the founding Terry family has safeguarded the brand’s legacy with dedication and passion. Now led by the fifth generation, represented by Simon Terry, Anglepoise stands the test of time just as its lamps are passed down, from hand to hand, generation after generation.

A natural companion to creativity, the Anglepoise lamp stands out for its ability to direct light exactly where it is needed.

Perfectly suited for machining work in workshops, the Anglepoise lamp was originally adopted by industry—and particularly the automotive sector—for its practicality. This design icon made its debut in France thanks to the luxury leather goods house Emile Hermès, which incorporated it into its workshops. Soon, the artisans began customizing the lamp by covering it in leather, just as they had always done with their tools to protect them. In the 1950s, the director at the time fell in love with this lamp and began offering it to his female clients. The small industrial lamp thus entered the world of luxury.

Since then, the success of the famous architect’s lamp has never waned. The collection has expanded over time, featuring not only a variety of colors and finishes but also different styles, such as floor lamps, wall sconces, and pendant lights.

This longevity is evident even in Anglepoise’s workshops. The brand continues to repair and restore its vintage models, using replacement parts and services tailored to lamps that are nearly 80 years old. Certain models dating from the 1930s to the 1960s can still be repaired and rewired today. This approach allows Anglepoise lamps to continue to be passed down through generations rather than becoming obsolete.

Anglepoise’s influence also extends beyond the world of lighting. The design of its articulated lamp notably inspired the Luxo L-1, created in Norway, which in turn became the inspiration for Pixar’s famous Luxo Jr. lamp. This small articulated lamp subsequently became one of the animation studio’s most recognizable symbols.

Anglepoise’s history is also linked to the British royal family. In particular, the brand tells the story of a 70-year-old lamp, identical to the model once owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This anecdote perfectly illustrates how Anglepoise lamps can accompany their owners for several decades.

While the Original 1227™ model has retained its original design since its creation, the modern Type 75™ and Type 80™ lines, designed by Sir Kenneth Grange, reinterpret the iconic form by focusing on the essentials: balance, function, and simplicity.

Certified as a B Corp in 2024 and offering a lifetime warranty on new products purchased since 2020, Anglepoise continues its journey from its headquarters in Hampshire, United Kingdom. More than just a light fixture, the brand champions a design philosophy centered on durability, repair, and passing the legacy on—with the ambition to illuminate the world with precision, honoring its heritage while keeping the future in sight.