Reference 13_1642

1930s British machinist wall light

Era: 1930s Origin: UK

An original two-arm 1930s work light by British manufacturer Mek Elek, with polished aluminium neck, brushed and lacquered steel arms and authentic green enamel shade. Now refurbished and sensitively restored to retain its original character. Ideal as a wall light for task lighting or to illuminate a kitchen worktop.

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Equire about this product

Origin: UK

Lighting design in the UK benefitted from a free market. Different companies were working at the same time, designing and producing similar products for the same market. Often with only slight differences in their style, they constantly upgraded and improved their original designs. The products we salvage come from the old industrial heartland of England. This area of the UK was once the boiler room of the British economy - from the potteries of Stoke, through the engineering works of Birmingham, to the wool, textile and cotton mills of Oldham and Manchester.

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Restoration

Restoring a light doesn’t necessarily mean making it ‘like new’. We often preserve the visible signs of age, such as spots of wear and patina, to give a hint about the light’s first story. Comprising a vitreous enamelled shade with a two arm construction, this Mek Elek has adjustable arms and 180-degree rotation of the shade. It still features multiple cast manufacturer's marks on the juncture plates and its original green paint finish is a testament to its heritage and age.

Product details

The light is supplied rewired and tested with a new Bayonet (B22) switched lamp holder.

Diameter: 135 (shade) mm
Length: 940 (max projection) mm
Height: 580 (min) mm
Width: 90 (wall plate) mm
Weight: 2.12 kg
Colour: Green | Gun metal grey
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Non-standard delivery. Supplied wired and tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.

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1930s British machinist wall light

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Manufacturer: MEK ELEK Engineering

Founded during 1931 in London, UK, MEK ELEK specialised in the manufacture of the Mekelite lathe light, primarily for use within the aircraft industry. Pathé newsreels of the 1940s clearly show row upon row of munitions machinists, labouring away under the illumination of Mek Elek lights. Mekelite lights were available in a wide range of types and sizes for floor, bench, wall and ceiling applications - all versions being based around a similar family of components. It is not known what became of the company, but their designs have stood the test of time and remain one of our favourite brands of early industrial lighting.

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1930s British machinist wall light

With skinflint branding

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Without skinflint branding

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Lights for life

As well as offering a lifetime guarantee that includes repairs, our Full Circle buy-back scheme gives you the opportunity to trade-in your skinflint lights. It keeps vintage lights in use forever - helping you and our planet.

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Shipping

Our UK and international shipping and our no quibble return options explained.

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Applications

Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.

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Light Bulbs

Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.

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Certifications

Our UK Lighting Industry Association (LIA), British Standards and UL certifications.

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B-Corp

Everything you need to know about B Corps - explained.

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A quick word from our customers

Ceiling plates

Beautiful little ceiling plate. Elegant. Functional. Well made. Simple to install. Top quality. Excellent condition. Excellent 

- Jonny | East Sussex | UK

Lampada biblioteca Versailles

Lampada stupenda!!! Servizio impeccabile e velocissimo, davvero tutti i miei complimenti, siete bravissimi!

- Isabella | Milano | Italy

"Wonderful!"

I have never received a more beautifully packaged item, the light itself is wonderful and we are very pleased. 

- Eleanor | Worcester | UK

"Genius Full Circle initative"

Love the lights, love your ethos. Absolutely what more companies need to be doing. I have my Retro Czech Ceiling Lights (V2) in my dining room and the spray of light they give off is gorgeous and unusual.

- Jenny | Lincolnshire | UK