History
Our Anglepoise history begins in 1932, when engineer George Carwardine took a problem solving idea from his workshop and turned it into a new kind of task lamp. A simple spring, crank and lever became a light that could be positioned with the lightest touch and stay exactly where you put it, a design so responsive it still feels modern today. Our main lamp, now known as the Original 1227, has been cared for by the Terry family for multiple generations, growing into a British design icon that lives on drawing boards and kitchen tables, in studios, libraries and bedrooms all over the world. Along the way we have stayed true to one belief. Abandon Darkness. Build things to last. From Guaranteed for Life to our focus on repair and reuse, every chapter of our story is about creating a constant companion, not another thing to throw away. This is how a small spring balanced lamp refused to be temporary, and became a light for life, passed from one generation to the next.
How it all began: the lightbulb moment
In 1932, British automotive engineer George Carwardine invented the formula for a new kind of spring mechanism. It was originally intended to be part of a vehicle suspension system, but instead, something clicked. This elegant and responsive invention, which could be positioned at any angle with the lightest touch, would work perfectly in a lamp. That day in George’s garden shed, the blueprint for the iconic Anglepoise was born.
Since then, Anglepoise founders the Terry family, have overseen the Anglepoise style evolution for the last eight decades, always staying true to its quirky spirit.
Working alongside legends such as Sir Kenneth Grange, Paul Smith and Margaret Howell have made sure it stays on the cutting edge of British design. But the unique functionality and playful form remains the same. After all, when you’ve created one of the world’s most recognisable design classics, why change it? Now, Anglepoise lamps are in homes, offices, hotels and garden sheds all around the world, and they’ve even been passed on through generations.
We have a feeling that if George was around today, that might just put a spring in his step.
“The Anglepoise is a minor miracle of balance, a quality in life we do not value as we should”
Sir Kenneth Grange – Industrial Designer
1932
In 1932 automotive engineer George Carwardine develops a formula for a new type of spring – the blueprint for an Anglepoise.
1933
Carwardine turns to springmakers Herbert Terry & Sons to manufacture the first Anglepoise lamp: the 4-spring Model 1208.
1935
In 1935, Carwardine and Terry’s create a 3-spring Anglepoise – the Original 1227™, the archetypal Anglepoise.
1985
A WW2 plane fitted with an Anglepoise navigators lamp is salvaged from Loch Ness in 1985, remarkably the lamp still works.
1985
The Roald Dahl Museum asks for a larger-than-life version of Dahl’s beloved Original 1227™ lamp – our first Giant lamp is born.
2002
Great-great grandson of the company’s founder, Simon Terry assumes the role of MD. Anglepoise is proud of its family heritage.
2003
In 2003 British product designer Sir Kenneth Grange becomes Design Director of Anglepoise.
2004
In 2004 renowned British fashion designer Margaret Howell, an admirer of British modernism, collaborates with Anglepoise.
2009
In 2009, in recognition of its iconic status, the Original 1227™ featured on a Royal Mail stamp alongside iconic British designs.
2017
Foremost British designer Paul Smith continues an on-going collaboration with Anglepoise.
2018
The 90 Mini Mini is launched, a new, compact design from Anglepoise. Based on a 70s design, the lamp is USB-powered.
2019
Designed by Kenneth Grange in his 90th year, the Type 80 is an all-new design distinguished by a striking, graphic profile.
2019
Esteemed designer Margaret Howell grows the collaboration with Anglepoise with a new colour and matching floor lamps.
2020
Sir Kenneth works his magic again by reimagining his ever popular Type 75 to create the Type 75 Mini Table.
2021
Taking its collaborations in a different direction, Anglepoise introduces a three piece collection with the National Trust. The peerless Original 1227 is launched in Sage Green, in three different forms, with a percentage of monies raised going to the National Trust’s modernist treasure The Homewood.
2021
Spring Light, The Anglepoise Story by Jonathan Glancey is published. A beautiful coffee table book that documents the lamp’s history, and everything that makes it so special, but also looks to the future…