Iconic Designers of Anglepoise – From Brilliant Engineering to the Art of Lighting

George Carwardine: Invented by a Car Designer

Automotive Origins (Early 20th Century)

George Carwardine (1887 – 1947) may not have needed to invent the Anglepoise® lamp to establish his reputation as he was already a noted engineer specializing in vehicle suspension systems. After financial troubles at the Horstmann Car Company where he was Chief Designer, Carwardine left in 1924 to start his own venture, Cardine Accessories. The economic downturn and subsequent bankruptcy of Horstmann in 1929 provided the perfect pivot point for Carwardine to explore his long-standing interest in spring and lever mechanisms, leading to the creation of the iconic Anglepoise® lamp.

COLLECTION Original1227™

Sir Kenneth Grange: Making Britain Modern

Modern Industrial Design (Early 21st Century)

Sir Kenneth Grange, serving as the Design Director of Anglepoise from 2003 to 2024, began his career as a technical illustrator in National Service. He later co-founded the internationally acclaimed design firm Pentagram. His extensive design portfolio, which includes the InterCity 125 train, the Royal Mail postbox, and the London Black Taxi, reflects a deep commitment to user-centered design and British modernism. Grange’s designs for Anglepoise, such as the Type 3™ and Type 75™ lamps, highlight his mastery of marrying functional engineering with sleek aesthetics.

COLLECTION TYPE 75

Margaret Howell: Simplicity, Functionality, Authenticity & Timelessness

Fashion and Lighting (Early 21st Century)

Margaret Howell, a prominent British clothing designer known for her minimalist style, extends her design philosophy to the Anglepoise lamp, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and authenticity. Her collaboration with Anglepoise has led to a range of lamps that highlight her preference for muted colors and functional design, making the Type 75™ lamp a testament to timeless British design across multiple disciplines.

COLLECTION Margaret Howel

Paul Smith: Three Stunning Interpretations

Fashion and Functionality (Early 21st Century)

Paul Smith, Britain’s leading fashion designer, infuses his flair for vibrant colors and patterns into the Anglepoise Type 75™ range, demonstrating a seamless blend of classic style with modern functionality. These collaborations showcase how traditional design elements can be reimagined in contemporary contexts, maintaining Anglepoise’s legacy while introducing fresh, innovative aesthetics.

COLLECTION Paul Smith