About Coolicon

Coolicon Lighting continues the story of the original 1933 Coolicon factory light, a British industrial design icon. For over nine decades, we have produced a timeless collection of authentic vitreous enamel lampshades in the UK, using the same traditional manufacturing techniques that defined the very first Coolicon shade. 

Original

Heritage

Craft

Coolicon lampshades in a ceramics workshop, circa 1940

Heritage

First patented and produced in 1933, the handcrafted Standard Coolicon lampshade was designed for efficiency and durability. An innovative hanging task light, created from a need to cool high-wattage bulbs that lit factories and workshops across early industrial Britain. 


Even the name; Coolicon carries its origin story. “Cooling by convection,” the principle behind the 1933 patent.

An Original vitreous enamel Coolicon Lampshade was later re-discovered by chance in 2013, in the Design Archives, by now Design Director, Trent Jennings. By 2015, production of this classic shade had restarted in Britain, using traditional manufacturing techniques and materials, true to the original design patent. The Coolicon brand has gone on to take the principles of the original shade into the development of new lighting designs for today.

Our Heritage

Heritage

First patented and produced in 1933, the handcrafted Standard Coolicon lampshade was designed for efficiency and durability. An innovative hanging task light, created from a need to cool high-wattage bulbs that lit factories and workshops across early industrial Britain. 


Even the name; Coolicon carries its origin story. “Cooling by convection,” the principle behind the 1933 patent.

Our Heritage

Coolicon lampshades in a ceramics workshop, circa 1940

An Original vitreous enamel Coolicon Lampshade was later re-discovered by chance in 2013, in the Design Archives, by now Design Director, Trent Jennings. By 2015, production of this classic shade had restarted in Britain, using traditional manufacturing techniques and materials, true to the original design patent and the Coolicon brand has gone on to take the principles of the original shade into new lighting designs.

Brand Story

1933

Today
Title

Coolicon lampshades after their 3rd firing

CRAFT PRINCIPLES

Today, we are the official custodians of that legacy. Our highly skilled local craftspeople, whose knowledge has been passed down through generations, continue to produce handmade lighting in England to the finest quality finish. By combining heritage British design with local craftsmanship, we create lighting that is timeless, functional, and carefully considered - designed for today, built to last a lifetime and made with the same integrity that has guided Coolicon for nearly a century. Taking defining principles from the original factory light into heritage or contemporary lighting designs made for today.

Professional
Services

We manufacture timeless British lighting, working closely with interior designers, architects, retail partners, and homeowners alike on a range of interior lighting projects. From period restoration, cafes, and boutique hospitality projects to contemporary kitchens and commercial restaurant spaces, Coolicon delivers honest materials, real craftsmanship and durability that professionals can rely on.

Professional Lighting Services

Photos credit: Martin Hjortsø Auchenberg