Anglepoise lamps are a British design icon familiar to many, yet the brand’s remarkable history and enduring legacy are what truly set it apart
The story of Anglepoise began in 1932, not in a grand design studio, but in the garage of British car engineer George Carwardine. While experimenting with a new spring mechanism intended for vehicle suspension systems, Carwardine had a light bulb moment – literally. Realising the potential of his innovative spring design, he decided to apply it to a task lamp.
Partnering with renowned spring manufacturers Herbert Terry & Sons, Carwardine launched the first Anglepoise lamp in 1933. It was a revolutionary design that allowed users to easily adjust and position the light source without clamping, a feature no other lamp at the time could offer. However, the original four-spring model proved too large for domestic settings, leading to the creation of the now-iconic Original 1227, a more compact three-spring version introduced in 1935. From operating theatres and military aircraft to artists’ studios, the Anglepoise quickly found a place in countless environments. It even lit the workspaces of creatives such as Pablo Picasso and Barbara Hepworth.
The Original 1227 has remained largely unchanged since its invention, a testament to Carwardine’s precision engineering and thoughtful design. Embodying the modernist principle that form follows function, the lamp is intentionally minimal, with no superfluous features. Its only nod to the Art Deco era in which it was first created is its stepped rectangular base. As Simon Terry, creative director and fifth-generation custodian of Anglepoise, explains, “Great products endure because they genuinely solve a problem.” It’s a philosophy the Anglepoise exemplifies perfectly. Since Simon joined the company in the early 2000s, collaboration has played a vital role in keeping the brand relevant. In 2003, industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange became design director, introducing modern interpretations such as the Type 75 and Type 80. Collaborations with designers Margaret Howell and Paul Smith followed, each bringing their own design sensibilities and distinctive colour palettes to the Anglepoise family. Terry emphasises that “collaboration is very important to staying relevant and reaching new markets or new types of customers”.
To mark its 90th anniversary, Anglepoise partnered with Penguin Books, which is also celebrating its 90th year, for a special edition featuring four Giant 1227 lamps reimagined by artists and inspired by the joy of reading. The partnership feels particularly fitting as author Roald Dahl, one of Penguin’s most renowned writers, famously used an Anglepoise lamp to illuminate his writing hut.
To further celebrate this milestone, the brand has released a limited-edition Original 1227 desk lamp, which features a hand-spun, polished aluminium shade, brass detailing and a burgundy twisted cord. Each of the 400 individually numbered lamps bears a special 90th anniversary logo on its base.
Anglepoise’s designs continue to pay homage to its heritage while bringing joy to new generations. For Terry, ensuring that Anglepoise lamps make people smile is just as important as maintaining their quality. Many owners keep their lamps for decades, passing them down through generations, a true testament to the brand’s durability and emotional resonance. To ensure that its designs last a lifetime, Anglepoise launched the Guarantee for Life programme in 2020, offering repair and spare parts services that allow customers to restore rather than replace their lamps. Even vintage models can be revived using modern technologies such as 3D printing, underscoring the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Since its launch, the programme has proved immensely popular, connecting the company with customers around the world and embodying the principles that helped it achieve B Corp certification in 2024.
So what does the future hold for Anglepoise? The brand continues to innovate, focusing increasingly on materials and systems that enhance the lifespan of its products. Terry hopes that an Anglepoise lamp will not only illuminate but inspire. “It’s a tool for creativity,” he adds. “Something that helps people express themselves under its light.”
Imagery courtesy of Anglepoise
This story was originally featured in OnOffice 173, Winter 2025. Discover similar stories by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here
