The Origins of Coleman Coleman is one of the most recognised names in outdoor lighting history. Founded in the United States during the early twentieth century, the company became famous for fuel-powered lanterns that provided reliable illumination in locations where electricity was unavailable. Over time, Coleman lanterns became closely associated with camping, exploration, agriculture and …
Mazda Lamps: Early Electric Lighting
The Origins of Mazda Lamps Mazda Lamps became one of the most recognised names in early electric lighting during the twentieth century. Despite sharing the name, Mazda Lamps has no connection to the modern automobile manufacturer. Instead, the Mazda trademark became closely associated with light bulbs, electrical innovation and the rapid expansion of electric illumination. …
Osram: A Century of Electric Lighting
The Origins of Osram Osram is one of the most significant names in lighting history. Founded in Germany during the early years of electric lighting, the company became known for developing lamps, lighting technologies and innovations that helped shape modern illumination. With a history spanning more than a century, Osram has played a role in …
Welsbach: Gas Mantles & Street Lighting
The Origins of Welsbach Welsbach is one of the most influential names in lighting history. Best known for developing the incandescent gas mantle, the company helped transform gas lighting during a period when cities, businesses and homes depended heavily on artificial light long before electricity became widespread. While many historic lighting brands are associated with …
Petromax: Pressure Lantern Heritage
The Origins of Petromax Petromax is one of the most recognisable names in pressure lantern history. Originally developed in Germany during the early twentieth century, Petromax became known for producing powerful portable lamps capable of delivering bright illumination in locations where electricity was unavailable. Long before battery-powered lighting became common, Petromax lanterns provided dependable illumination …
Veritas Lamps: British Pressure Lighting
The Origins of Veritas Lamps Veritas became one of the best-known names in British pressure lighting during the twentieth century. Renowned for portable lanterns and pressure lamps, the brand produced practical lighting solutions designed for camping, outdoor recreation, farms, workshops and locations where mains electricity was unavailable. During an era when reliable portable illumination remained …
The Origins of Benjamin Electric Benjamin Electric became one of the notable names associated with early industrial electrical lighting in the United States. Closely connected with practical factory illumination, porcelain lamp holders, industrial pendants, and early electrical fittings, the company helped shape the appearance of commercial and industrial interiors during the growth of electric lighting. …
The Origins of Holophane Holophane became one of the most recognisable names associated with industrial glass lighting and prismatic illumination. Best known for its distinctive ribbed glass shades and highly functional industrial fittings, Holophane lighting played an important role in factories, railway stations, warehouses, workshops, and large commercial buildings throughout the 20th century. Unlike many …
The Origins of Thorn Lighting Thorn Lighting became one of the most recognisable names associated with Britain’s post-war lighting industry. Closely connected with commercial lighting, fluorescent fittings, street lighting, and large-scale public infrastructure, Thorn played a major role in shaping the appearance of offices, schools, factories, warehouses, and public buildings throughout the mid and late …








