In 1932, the car engineer George Carwardine created a new formula for a spring. He discovered that a swingarm supported by four of these springs can easily be moved without losing its position—that was the birth of the first Anglepoise lamp. In the beginning, the lamps were practical and industrial, but as part of the expansion in 1935, the collection got a lamp with only three springs. That’s the lamp we know as Original 1227.
Since 2003, Kenneth Grange has been spearheading the large lamp firm. He started his career as a technical illustrator and has since gained quite the reputation as an industrial production designer. He once identified Anglepoise as his favourite design—calling it a “minor miracle of balance”—and is now the Design Director. He endeavours to stay true to the core of the business while applying a forward-thinking, innovative approach to his work.
Although the lamps have been developed and refined over time, their function and distinct shape have been carefully maintained. These days, you can find the Anglepoise lamp in homes, offices, restaurants, bars, and hotels in more than 50 countries. The latest collections have been developed in collaboration with renowned designers like Paul Smith and Margaret Howell—British design remains at the heart of this British brand.