Vintage Poole Pottery Helios Table Lamps "CYLINDER" (Chestnut Brown)

HELIOS (Cylinder)

*PRICE IS PER LAMP*

Hello, and thanks for stopping by lumenowl!

This gorgeous, vintage pair of 'Helios' lamps, created by Poole Pottery visionary Robert Jefferson in 1964, are quintessential British modernism. Finished in a gorgeously glossy chestnut brown glaze with intricate relief patterning on all sides, and presented here in the far less common cylindrical form, these little lamps are a real find! It's particularly rare to have found a matching pair in such stunning condition.

The enduring legacy of Poole Pottery is almost as dynamic as the vast, fabulously varied range of ceramics it produced. The company that eventually became known as Poole Pottery began life in 1873 as Carter & Company. By the mid-1880's, the company had established itself as a major player in ceramics marketplace, and was considered a serious competitor to even the most established ceramicists. Despite changing times and tastes, the company endlessly adapted, surviving the financial and creative vacuums of both world wars. Sensing the seismic cultural and artistic shifts of the 1960's, the company formed a separate design studio, headed by designer Robert Jefferson, who worked in conjunction with artists Tony Morris and Guy Sydenham. The trio designed and produced stunning, avant-garde works (including the Helios lamp series) that remain highly sought after to this day. By 1963, the company officially rebranded as 'Poole Pottery'. Poole was sold at some of the world's most luxurious outlets, including Harrods, Selfridges and New York's own Bloomingdales. Sadly, like so many ceramicists before and after, Poole Pottery began losing money during the 1980's, and were simply unable to capture the same level of interest they once had so effortlessly commanded. Despite a flurry of buyouts and cash injections, Poole Pottery all but collapsed by the mid-2000's. In 2011, Poole Pottery was taken over by Denby Pottery.

Both bases are in stunning condition, with the rich, glossy brown glaze still incredibly potent.

These HELIOS lamps have had all existing electrical components removed, and now feature new, high quality, machine milled E27 screw in brass lamp holders, extended slightly from the base to ensure maximum visibility once a lampshade is added. They have been rewired with luxurious quality bark coloured linen and rayon covered cable in a fantastic zig-zag pattern, featuring a high quality black inline rocker switch 30cm from the lamp base (with another 1m from the switch to the matching black UK 3-pin plug). An internal cord grip keeps the cable sturdily in place. The metal lamp holder is earthed using three-core cable, and each lamp has been thoroughly PAT tested and approved (with a sticker affixed near the plug to show the PASS status). Components comprise of a British-made and certified lamp holders and plugs, and Italian-made cable and switches, which have passed or exceeded relevant CE and EU electrical integrity tests.

HELIOS stands at 19cm tall (base to the tip of the lamp holder), and is 15.5cm in dept and width. It weighs in at just under 1KG.

HELIOS lamps were originally produced with tall fibreglass shades. These were fragile items, and few have survived the ravages of time. As you can see from the photos, however, they work fantastically with drum shades around the 25cm diameter mark.

INTERNATIONAL VERSIONS:

Whilst lumenowl lamps are currently wired for the UK market, I am more than happy to adapt for use in other countries. The existing lamp holder can be swapped out for either a US E26 version, with the necessary cable alterations and inline rocker switch added to facilitate operation. I can also fit a plug socket relevant to the destination country. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions or would like a quote regarding this process and the associated shipping costs.

Each item is professionally wrapped, packaged and sent via trackable post or courier.

DISCLAIMER:

Please note, when purchasing vintage glassware, earthenware and ceramics etc., some age-related signs of wear such are to be expected. These include, but are not limited to; fine surface scratches/scuff marks, superficial chips, colour aberrations and dulling of parts that have been exposed to abrasive treatment. Please always satisfy yourself the item you are purchasing matches the description.