For over 90 years, the Original 1227 has remained a symbol of enduring British design. Instantly recognisable for its distinctive silhouette and pioneering spring mechanism, the lamp first emerged in the 1930s and has since become one of the most celebrated task lights in the world.
Now, in a subtle nod to that rich history, a new colourway is preparing to join the Original 1227 collection.
Introducing Original 1227 in Opal Blue and Matte Black.
Inspired by the early years of Anglepoise and while many associate the Original 1227 with its classic industrial aesthetic, some of the earliest models were finished in bright primary colours, with both shades and bases painted to make a bold statement in homes, workshops and offices alike.
The new Opal Blue colourway pays tribute to this lesser-known chapter of our story. Featuring a soft blue shade and matching base, paired with matte black components, it echoes the confident use of colour seen in the original designs while introducing a distinctly contemporary character.
The matte finish gives the lamp a refined, modern presence, allowing the rich blue tone to feel both fresh and timeless. It is a colour that feels equally at home in creative studios, considered interiors and everyday workspaces.
At its heart, however, this is still the Original 1227 the lamp designed by automotive engineer George Carwardine, whose groundbreaking balancing mechanism transformed the way task lighting could move and perform. First patented in 1932, Carwardine’s ingenious design allowed the lamp to be positioned with remarkable precision and moved with minimal effort, setting a new standard that continues to influence lighting design today.
More than nine decades later, the Original 1227 remains a benchmark of function-led design. The introduction of Opal Blue celebrates that legacy while offering a fresh perspective on an enduring classic.
Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to welcome this new addition to the Original 1227 family.
In the meantime, visitors to 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen will have the opportunity to get an exclusive first look at the new Opal Blue colourway before its official launch.
