Industrial Laboratory Table Lamp, England, c. 1940s–1950s

Built for function, with a few rather distinctive details.

This compact British industrial table lamp features a generously proportioned metal shade, a slender upright stem and an unusual open circular base.

The shade has a characteristic silver-grey hammered-effect finish, giving the metal surface its finely textured appearance. A simple mechanical joint allows the shade to be tilted, directing the light towards a desk or work surface.

Particularly interesting is the heavy ring-shaped base, which provides stability without the visual weight of a conventional solid base. The exposed brass lampholder and dark twisted fabric cable complete its straightforward industrial construction.

Its design is consistent with British laboratory and workshop lighting from the mid-20th century. Manufacturers and suppliers such as J. Swift & Son and W.R. Prior & Co. were associated with scientific instruments and laboratory lighting during this period. Although the lamp shares characteristics with examples from this field, its individual manufacturer remains unidentified.

The lamp retains visible traces of its working past, including small areas of paint loss, surface wear and a slight dent in the shade. These are consistent with its age and use. The lamp is fully functional.