Coolicon Lighting
First patented in 1933, the handcrafted Standard Coolicon lampshade was designed for efficiency and durability, featuring vents to reduce bulb temperature. It became essential in British factories and workshops. By the 1940s, it was used in Churchill’s war bunker and early NHS hospitals. Revived in 2015, Coolicon Lighting now honours its legacy with the Original 1933 Design™, handmade in England, and continues to produce unique, high-quality lighting under Design Director Trent Jennings.
Coolicon Lighting: The Beginnings of an Icon
First patented and produced in 1933, the handcrafted Standard Coolicon lampshade was designed for efficiency and durability. Created to light factories and workshops across Britain, its iconic shape had more than aesthetics in mind; the innovative design had a purpose.
The two large vents in the top gallery allowed hot air to escape, significantly reducing the temperature of the powerful 100W bulbs. This increased bulb longevity and lowered the risk of electrical fuses and blow-outs from overhead. The added ambient light from the vents also improved working conditions, reducing accidents and increasing productivity across the workforce.
The unique enamelled ceiling light soon became a reliable beacon for millions of workers nationwide. Coolicon was now respected as the first choice for factory lighting throughout the 1930s and beyond.
The War Effort
In the 1940s, the practical yet elegantly simple light provided solace to many across the UK. Winston Churchill’s war bunker kitchen, the British government's corridors of power, military offices, and early NHS hospitals all featured traditional Standard Coolicon shades hanging proudly. One still hangs in Churchill’s War Room to this day.
Austerity to Affluence
As Britain moved from austerity to affluence in the 1950s, the Coolicon lampshade was present in every walk of life, from pubs to workshops. As authentic lights lit the way, “The Standard” green lampshade became part of the landscape. During this time, the white lampshade was introduced for use in the new National Health Service (NHS).
Delia Derbyshire & James Bond
In the 1960s and beyond, the Coolicon lampshade found its way into the electronic music scene through influential BBC Radiophonic Workshop pioneer Delia Derbyshire. Inspired by artists like Pink Floyd and The Chemical Brothers, Derbyshire utilised Coolicon’s unique resonance qualities to score numerous TV sci-fi greats, including the legendary Dr. Who. Coolicon Lighting supports the Delia Derbyshire Day charity to educate the public in music technology and British electronic music history.
The shades’ use in British pop culture extended to two James Bond cinematic features, Thunderball and Skyfall, showcasing Coolicon lampshades’ undisputed reputation and industrial style.
Re-establishing UK Manufacturing
In 2015, after decades of production with numerous tool changes and tweaks, Coolicon Lighting felt it was time to return to the product's roots: the original form of the 1933 lampshade. After painstakingly reproducing tools and sourcing time-honoured skills, Coolicon Lighting re-established the Original 1933 Design™. Handmade in England as it was 90 years ago, the lampshade that lit the nation is back. With clear simple lines and utility design, these hand-enamelled lampshades will once again stand the test of time.
A Future Informed by the Past
Today, Coolicon Lighting looks to the future from strong foundations in the past. Under the guidance of Design Director Trent Jennings, Coolicon Lighting has expanded from one iconic product to a growing collection built on the iconic values of the Original 1933 Design™. Following tradition, Coolicon Lighting specialises in batch production craft processes to create some of the finest contemporary lighting handmade in the UK. Every product is unique, true to the nature of craftsmanship, and with every lampshade comes a unique story to be told.
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