Who we are
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”
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…
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.
2020
Sir Kenneth works his magic again by reimagining his ever popular Type 75 to create the Type 75 Mini Table.
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.
2018
The 90 Mini Mini is launched, a new, compact design from Anglepoise. Based on a 70s design, the lamp is USB-powered.
2017
Foremost British designer Paul Smith continues an on-going collaboration with Anglepoise.
2009
In 2009, in recognition of its iconic status, the Original 1227™ featured on a Royal Mail stamp alongside iconic British designs.
2004
In 2004 renowned British fashion designer Margaret Howell, an admirer of British modernism, collaborates with Anglepoise.
2003
In 2003 British product designer Sir Kenneth Grange becomes Design Director of Anglepoise.
2002
Great-great grandson of the company’s founder, Simon Terry assumes the role of MD. Anglepoise is proud of its family heritage.
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.
1985
A WW2 plane fitted with an Anglepoise navigators lamp is salvaged from Loch Ness in 1985, remarkably the lamp still works.
1935
In 1935, Carwardine and Terry’s create a 3-spring Anglepoise – the Original 1227™, the archetypal Anglepoise.
1933
Carwardine turns to springmakers Herbert Terry & Sons to manufacture the first Anglepoise lamp: the 4-spring Model 1208.
1932
In 1932 automotive engineer George Carwardine develops a formula for a new type of spring – the blueprint for an Anglepoise.
2019
Type 80™
Designed by renowned British industrial product designer Sir Kenneth Grange in his 90th year, the Type 80 is an all-new design that’s distinguished by a striking, graphic profile. Every detail has been carefully considered and precision engineered to deliver streamlined style, ease of use and consistency across the collection.
2018
90 Mini Mini
The 90 Mini Mini has all the versatility and personality of a classic Anglepoise lamp wrapped up in its tiny form. The 90 Mini Mini is powered by USB for enhanced portability and has a dimmable integrated LED. At half the size of a standard lamp it’s designed to fit just about anywhere.
2017
Original 1227™ Mini Ceramic
Formed from the purest bone china, the white, gloss-finished shades or our Original 1227™ Mini Ceramic lights turn translucent when turned on, radiating a soft, ambient light around the room.
2015
Original 1227™ Mini
Scaled down to two-thirds of its original size, the Original 1227™ Mini Collection is playful, more versatile and contemporary version of our most iconic and best loved 1930’s Anglepoise® design.
2011
Type 75™ Mini
Designed by Sir Kenneth Grange as a scaled down, more playful version of the best selling Type 75™ design.
2011
Type C™
Created by Sir Kenneth Grange, this remarkable lamp incorporates touch sensitive dimming, light level memory, energy efficient LED’s and a balance mechanism that responds to the lightest touch. The result is a seductive form that adds a level of sophistication and elegance.
2008
Type 1228™
Designed by Sir Kenneth Grange in 2008, Type 1228™ offers all the functionality of the traditional Anglepoise®, but with a more contemporary aesthetic and exceptional versatility.
2004
Type 75™
Designed by Sir Kenneth Grange, Type 75™ is inspired by a 1970’s version of the Anglepoise® Apex 90®, originally launched in the 1950’s. Grange reinterprets the modernist lines and no-frills functionality of its predecessor for new generations.
2003
Type 3™
Sir Kenneth Grange’s first lamp as Anglepoise® Design Director, the Type 3™ featured chrome plated solid steel and was influenced by the earlier Original 1227™ lamps by George Carwardine.
1985
Apex 90
The Apex 90 was designed to be a modern take on the Original 1227™.
1973
Model 90
The Model 90 introduced a range of colours, including one that inspired Margaret Howell’s Yellow Ochre colour to the Type 75™ lamp that’s available today.
1960
Model 75
The Model 75 became one of the inspirations behind Kenneth Grange’s Type 75. It is one of the earliest designs featuring a different shade shape from our Original 1227™.
1938
Model 1227
The Model 1227 added many smaller design details, such as the removal of the small shade vents on older iterations. It also saw the introduction of the two-step base, which is consistent with all our Original 1227™ lamps today.
1935
Model 1227
The Model 1227 was an evolution of the 1208, making it more suitable for a domestic environment. It is commonly recognised for its three-spring mechanism that’s available in our lamps today.
1933
Model 1208
George Carwardine licensed his design to spring maker, Herbert Terry & Sons, who already supplied the springs for his lamps. Not long after, the Anglepoise® name was registered and the 4-spring ‘Model 1208’ went into volume production.
1932
Model 1208 Prototype
In 1932, car designer George Carwardine unveil his remarkable invention – a 4-spring lamp, combining unprecedented freedom of movement and perfect balance due to its patented constant spring mechanism. Soon demand for the lamp far outstripped Carwardine’s small-scale supply, so he sought the help of Herbert Terry & Sons.
Our Principles
Anglepoise Design
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1
In everything we do we first understand why
Our products look like they do because they solve a human problem, serving a purpose, fit for the task in hand. -
2
It’s better to do one thing exceptionally well
Focus brings learnings, experience and knowledge. -
3
Durability is a joy
We build using methods and materials that will last. Our products are guaranteed for life because we feel things should last a lifetime and beyond. -
4
We create products that are responsive and encourage interaction
We choose materials and details that invite the human touch, that are a pleasure to use. We design for elegance, proportion, balance and finger tip responsiveness. -
5
We design to create a smile
The objects that become treasured possessions in our lives, are the ones that somehow we become attached to – that make us smile. -
6
We pursue openness
We want everyone we interact with to feel part of us. We pursue feedback to learn, adapt and always improve everything we do. We foster collaborations with like minded partners, for the greater good. -
7
Authenticity with delight
We will remain true to our iconic heritage guided by the original principles and ideas that created the Anglepoise. But we will aim to constantly surprise and delight within that authentic vision. After all we do want to make people smile when using our products -
8
Loved beyond a lifetime
In short we are led by the overriding principle of taking The Long View and of growing a company and creating products that are built to last. Even to be loved, for a lifetime and beyond.
The Anglepoise lamp has always been rooted in design excellence. Its timeless form continues to delight the makers and the do-ers, providing focus and light just where and when it’s needed. But, while we are steeped in history, it’s the future that will define us for a new generation.
Not only do we have a responsibility to be anti-disposability and pro-longevity, collaborations with some of the World’s leading designers, who share our values and design principles, also have a part to play in opening up Anglepoise to brand new audiences.