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A very simple wall light based on a design supplied by Simplex from the 1880s. Assembled by ourselves from British and European made components. All are solid brass based either just polished, acid dipped antiqued or nickel plated. The shades are all manufactured from glass. As such, all parts are easily recyclable.
A sophisticated wall light inspired by classic designs from the 1880s, this fixture is based on a model originally supplied by Simplex, assembled with precision from high-quality British and European components. The solid brass frame is available in a variety of finishes, including polished, acid-dipped antiqued, or nickel-plated. The prismatic elongated glass shade, a nod to vintage industrial design, creates a striking visual impact while providing an even, diffused light. As with all our products, each part is fully recyclable, emphasizing our commitment to sustainable practices.
This wall light presents a clean, minimalist design that has stood the test of time. Originally a candle sconce in the 18th century, it transitioned through gas lighting in the 19th century and into electric illumination in the 20th and 21st centuries. Its timeless appeal remains, whether used in its traditional form or reimagined as a functional uplighter. The components are crafted with care in Birmingham or Northern Ireland, preserving the best of British and European craftsmanship.
The prismatic elongated glass shade adds a layer of character to this light. Its design harks back to the early gas lamps, especially the iconic prismatic designs by companies like Holophane, which gained popularity between the world wars. The elongated shape and prismatic texture enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of the fixture, casting a soft yet focused light.
Choose whether to mount the lamp in a traditional way on an oak backplate (or pateras) that you can wax and polish or paint as you wish, or mount the light without for a slightly more modern touch.
We recommend the use of modern LED bulbs and, if used, there is no restriction on its power. If old, filament (incandescent) bulbs are used then a maximum of 40w is recommended.
Prismatic Shades - 'Holophane'
During the early 1890s Andre Blondel, a French engineer and physicist, known for his work in electrical research and an attache to the Lighthouses and Beacons Service, and Spiridion Psaroudaki, a Greek engineer, conceived an idea in a Paris laboratory to cover a glass globe with horizontal glass prisms properly positioned to control light. Patents were awarded to the two inventors in Europe and, upon the granting of US Patent 563836 in 1893, an American, Otis A. Mygatt was introduced to this work. He saw the potential for both domestic and industrial lighting and began to collaborate with Blondel and Psaroudaki.
The advantages of prismatic shades very quickly became clear to a European public demanding brighter light. The prisms effectively focused the dim bulbs output to produce clear, bright, clean illumination and proved very popular in shops, schools, factories, lighthouses and homes. So much so that Mygatt bought the worldwide rights to Blondel and Psaroudaki's invention in 1894 and formed the Holophane Glass Company in 1898 in London to capitalise on his purchase. That same year Mygatt transferred the company to No.1 Broadway, New York.
The term 'Holophane' was derived from the Greek - 'Holos' and 'Phanein' - to contrive the meaning 'to appear completely luminous'. In 1900 Holophane was manufacturing a large range of globes and reflectors and described them thus: [they are made of] 'perfectly clear glass with prisms scientifically constructed in such a manner as to both direct the rays of light in downward and outward directions'.
Height: 22.5cm
Width: 13.5cm
Projection: 25cm
