Even though we live in the post-post-modern world, many of today's design devotees are thoroughly obsessed with furniture and furnishings from a more decidedly modern one - present self included. Besides the large number of products still being manufactured as evidenced by Knoll, Herman Miller, and others, there is a whole new generation of furniture design that references specific periods of the twentieth century. So to kick off a new series of obsessions from the modern era (which we will loosely follow 1920-1970), we bring you our first favorite object from 1934 - the Anglepoise Giant lamp.
Anglepoise is a family-owned British company that has manufactured their task lamps since the early 1930s under the name Terry's, starting with the refinement of a three-spring mechanism which brought their product to life. Designed by George Carwardine, he developed a concept for balancing weights through these three springs, which he patented and then created the first modern task lamp, known as the 1227. This lamp became an instant icon of modern life, being utilized in factories at work tables and chart tables during World War II, thus securing it's place in the consciousness of British and European citizens alike (thanks to several licensing deals, the lamp was sold in Holland, Norway, and the US as well). In 2003, the Anglepoise family of lamps added to its collection with new designs by Kenneth Grange, a British industrial designer who was famous for many classic domestic products (mixers, electric shavers, the instamatic camera, and modernizing trains and taxicabs). And in 2004, the first Giant Anglepoise was introduced to popular demand (famed film director Tim Burton bought the second one in production for himself). Last year, Anglepoise celebrated 75 years and reintroduced the original 1227 fixture.
While we adore the original 1227 task lamp, it is the Giant that steels our heart. The scale is utterly surprising, and when you first encounter this floor lamp, you can't help but be delighted with its whimsy and nod to the past, especially as it is three times the size of the original 1227 task lamp . It surely will be a conversation piece in any setting. Anglepoise is now easily and readily available in the US with a warehouse in New Jersey, and their products are UL listed. The Giant comes in six colors, is dimmable, has an aluminum base with casters for ease of movement, and retails for $3500. Start saving your money now!
