Awesome throwback lamp will blind you with style

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Photo: Anglepoise
This is one gorgeous desk lamp. Photo: Anglepoise

I finally pitched the cheap plastic desk lamp I’ve had since high school and replaced it with the light I’ve always wanted: the iconic Anglepoise 1227.

If you’re looking for a classic desk lamp that won’t fade into the backdrop next to your sleek iMac, this is the one for you.

Launched in 1934, the design of the 1227 has changed astonishingly little. It still looks functional and modern, which makes perfect sense given Anglepoise started out making hard-wearing lamps for factory workers.

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This accounts for the Anglepoise 1227‘s slightly industrial appearance, as evidenced by the three springs that anchor the lamp: dreamed up by automotive engineer George Carwardine after years working with vehicle suspension systems.

Just as recognizable as the springs (available in either chrome or, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, brass) is the rimmed shade over the lamp itself and the two-tiered, weighted base that keeps the lamp stationary.

Anglepoise 1227
The design has changed very little from 1934. Photo: Luke Dormehl/Cult of Mac

The 1227 can be moved with an incredibly light touch — you won’t strain to reposition it (or even have to use two hands). Multiple points of articulation mean you can rotate the lamp’s head and base, while the suspension system allows it to be outstretched completely or folded in half like a person reaching down to touch their toes. Most impressive of all is the fact that, once positioned correctly, it won’t move, regardless of the physics-defying pose you position it in.

To give you an idea, I carry out fine assembly work at my desk, requiring plenty of light. The 1227 has absolutely no problem being tilted down to desk level and then rotated to a 7 or 8 o’clock position to provide maximum illumination.

Anglepoise 1227
The lamp is extremely flexible and retains its position, however you angle it. Photo: Luke Dormehl/Cult of Mac

The lamp comes in four colors: signal red, jet black, ivory cream and chrome. I opted for red, although all colors are pleasing in their own way. Unlike many desk lamps, this is an item you want to draw attention to, so an eye-grabbing red or reflective chrome isn’t nearly as off-putting as it would be with a cheaper lamp.

My sole design complaint is that you turn the lamp on and off using an in-line plastic switch on the power cable rather than a control located on the lamp’s body. It’s a less aesthetically pleasing option, and it also means you’ll likely be reaching down the back of your desk to flick on the light. It’s a minor point, but as with the slightly raised camera lens on the iPhone 6, nitpicks like this bear noting when you’re dealing with an otherwise-flawless design.

Anglepoise 1227
A look at the iconic three-spring design. Photo: Luke Dormehl/Cult of Mac

Assembling the lamp is very straightforward, with the main requirements being to screw on the weighted base and attach the largest of the three springs.

Is the 1227 Anglepoise worth the money (it’ll set you back upwards of $260)? Ultimately, that will come down to your tastes and requirements. As with an iPhone or a Mac, there are plenty of third-party knockoffs that are 80 percent as good for about 50 percent of the cost.

What are you going to sacrifice with a cheaper model?

Probably the perfectly weighted solidity of the thing, which truly feels like a collector’s piece that could outlive you. Cheap out and you’re unlikely to find a lamp that retains the 1227’s ability to stay perfectly stationary regardless how you angle it.

If you spend hours at your desk each day, or simply want your workplace to exude a high-quality aura (all the better for blogging from), I really can’t recommend this lamp highly enough.

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