New Anglepoise lamp helps fund restoration of National Trust modernist villa
©Anglepoise/National Trust Images
Homewood villa in Surrey
©National Trust Images/Stuart Cox
Iconic British brand Anglepoise is collaborating with the National Trust on a range of Original 1227 lamps, to raise funds for the refurbishment of the modernist Homewood villa in Surrey
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” said the great William Morris. And in the shape of that timeless British brand, the Anglepoise lamp, we have something that embodies both. Modern filmgoers of all ages will recall it from the credits of Pixar movies, too. Now, Anglepoise is collaborating with another great British institution, the National Trust, in order to raise funds for one of its jewels.
A range of Original 1227 lamps, plus table and desk, will be on sale from autumn 2021 to help Europe’s largest conservation charity support the restoration of the Homewood villa, an early 20th century villa in Surrey. Anglepoise’s sage-coloured collection has been inspired by the natural world, and will surely add instant elegance and class to any home they adorn.
Said Adam Wade, Anglepoise’s Technical Director, “We know that National Trust members and visitors care deeply for the natural world, so we wanted to keep the essence of our Original 1227 but add a colour that reflected nature. But it had to be exactly right, and with our Sage Green treatment we have something that is soothing and fresh, modern yet timeless and neutral whilst interesting.”
Anglepoise is to contribute a minimum of £15,000 to the National Trust, with funds going towards the modernist country villa designed by self-taught architect Patrick Gwynne. Completed in 1938, Gwynne lived here for the rest of his life, and ensured it was fashionably up to date, until the villa was gifted to the National Trust in 1999.
The instantly recognisable lamps themselves were born in 1932 after vehicle suspension engineer George Cawardine came up with a spring, crank and lever mechanism that could be positioned very easily yet maintain its position. In 2020, the brand also introduced a lifetime guarantee available across its entire range. Anglepoise has previously collaborated with the likes of designer Margaret Howell and fashion legend Paul Smith.
Simon Terry, Managing Director, Anglepoise said: “We share the National Trust’s care and passion for looking after treasured objects, places and landscapes. With this collaboration we want to shine a light on what we think is a hidden treasure trove of design.”
The Anglepoise + National Trust range will be available exclusively from Anglepoise.com and John Lewis from September 2021, starting at £139.00 for the mini table lamp, £239.00 for the desk lamp and £299.00 for the floor lamp.