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Our Story
90 years of bi-directional efficient lighting
We are the lighting brand powered by generations of craftspeople with an illustrious history stretching back to the factories and workshops of 1933 Britain. Their skills are at the heart of what we do and with each Coolicon lampshade created, their legacy shines on.
We believe in the beauty of process, the journey to creation, and the story that begins with the maker's mark.
Lighting the way for generations, we strive to create products whose longevity and authenticity goes unquestioned. Handmade in England, UK, to the finest quality finish, Coolicon lampshades hang proudly alongside you for a lifetime and beyond.
Specialising in classic industrial pendant lampshades, our lighting products are handmade using time-honoured techniques and materials true to the original Coolicon factory light design.
The Coolicon Lampshade fits seamlessly into contemporary homes and interiors with its authentic industrial style and elegant form, unchanged since 1933.
We work alongside highly skilled masters of their craft to batch produce products of unique character and charm, trading in wholesale and commercial capacities worldwide.
Specialising in classic industrial pendant lampshades, our lighting products are handmade using time-honoured techniques and materials true to the original Coolicon factory light design.
The Coolicon Lampshade fits seamlessly into contemporary homes and interiors with its authentic industrial style and elegant form, unchanged since 1933.
We work alongside highly skilled masters of their craft to batch produce products of unique character and charm, trading in wholesale and commercial capacities worldwide.
A Coolicon lampshade is more than just a lighting accessory, it is the lampshade that keeps history and tradition alive.
Made for today
In honour of our makers, the Coolicon Lighting brand encompasses the standards of craftsmanship throughout all of our practices; Original, Heritage, Quality.
With longevity at the heart of the brand, we believe the creation of authentic robust products that last generations is the most sustainable form of producing products today. In terms of packaging and presentation material, we are a single-use plastic-free company who embrace our utilitarian past with an honest aesthetic.
Creating products to last a lifetime is what we do best. Even so, we work within a circular economy model to create a minimal waste environment. Diminishing carbon emissions through local production, using infinitely recyclable steel to create our shades and made-to-order products maintain our low waste, sustainable practices.
Our design ethos
Our design ethos is informed by the first 1933 Coolicon patent. True to the original design, all of our lighting products are; handmade in England, have bi-directional lighting, are intended for functionality, and are designed to last a lifetime.
We design any new products in-house to ensure the traditional high standards of Coolicon products are met.
Our material choices directly reflect this ethos. From the strength and longevity of Vitreous Enamel to the translucent qualities of Bone China, each material has been carefully curated to honour the iconic 1933 Standard Coolicon® and its British heritage.
A Badge of Honour
Authentic to the Finest Detail
Found on every Coolicon lampshade since 1933, the Coolicon badge is expertly aligned by eye and applied by hand; a signature from its maker with merit to their craftmanship.
Printed using a traditional printing press, onto thick paper stock, the badge is our seal of approval. With character rich wrinkles comes authenticity; you now have a Coolicon lampshade like no other.
The scale and proportions of our badges have not changed since the beginning of Coolicon history, and for good reason.
Let’s rewind to the hustle and bustle of British factories in 1933. Not the safest of places as you can imagine, however, when workers looked up to see the Coolicon badge they knew they were under the finest quality factory lighting.
Providing safer and more productive working conditions, trusty Coolicon lighting was a welcomed sight, and we maintain this standard to this day.
“A piece of history applied by hand”
The Craftsmans™ Collection
The Craftsmans™ Collection was designed for today, moving Coolicon lampshades from their traditional utility settings into more elegant contemporary settings and interiors.
The traditional features of the badge have been updated with subtle refinements for each new product. For our Gloss Silhouette™ lampshades the badges are made from pure gold and fired into the gloss glaze. Gleaming and shining in the daytime light, then turning into a dark silhouette when lit from behind at night.
What’s in the Name?
How to Pronounce
Coolicon is spelt and pronounced as one word, not “Cool Icon”. The word Coolicon has its origins in "cooling from convection", the very basis of the 1933 patent, cooling electrical fittings through its design.
While we agree that our lampshades can be seen as an iconic British design, the word icon was rarely used and had a different context in the 30s.
What’s in the Name?
How to Pronounce
Coolicon is spelt and pronounced as one word, not “Cool Icon”. The word Coolicon has its origins in "cooling from convection", the very basis of the 1933 patent, cooling electrical fittings through its design.
While we agree that our lampshades can be seen as an iconic British design, the word icon was rarely used and had a different context in the 30s.
