Original 1227 Desk Lamp

George Carwardine, 1935

Some of the most iconic design objects of the last century are the imaginings of people who aren't professional designers. Automotive engineer George Carwardine discovered a spring that would keep its position, even when released - leading to the birth of the venerable Anglepoise brand and the ultimate desk lamp, the Original 1227.

George Carwardine took his new spring and worked to create a task lamp for engineers in his garden workshop at his Bath, England home. After two years, he designed a four-spring lamp with a constant spring mechanism - for unparalleled freedom of movement and balance.

Unable to meet the high demand for his lamp, Carwardine licensed the design to spring supplier Herbert Terry & Sons and sold his four-spring "Model 1208" under the registered Anglepoise name. After reworking the four-spring lamp design in collaboration with Terry & Sons, the three-spring Anglepoise lamp was released in 1935 under the name "Original 1227".

Ergonomic and highly adaptable, the Original 1227 desk lamp is the ultimate product of style and functionality. The springs provide support and balance for the lamp, allowing it to maintain its position after being turned in practically any direction. This revolutionary constant tension spring technology gives the lamp a very broad range of movement - a key to its lasting popularity and success.

This enduring icon of British design is recognized instantly around the world with its glossy finish, fabric-covered power cord and chrome-plated fittings. The Original 1227 desk lamp was even featured on a Royal Mail stamp in a series of other iconic British symbols to mark its 75th anniversary in 2009. Carwardine designed several variations in this collection, which are still bestsellers for Anglepoise today.

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