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English Lamps & Lights

English lamps are known for their porcelain, brass, and carved-wood bases. Blue and white Wedgwood pottery is the most notable style of English lamp. Made in enameled porcelain or Jasperware, authentic Wedgwood pieces can be verified by a stamp on the bottom of the lamp base. These handcrafted lamps come in a variety of styles and finishes, but are best known for their classical depictions of Greek and Roman art.

English inventor Sir Humphrey Davy created the first electric lamp, called the carbon-arc lamp in 1801. Sir Joseph Swan created the first incandescent bulb, nearly 18 years before Edison’s bulb in 1860. He continued working on it until 1878, when Edison filed for a patent on his incandescent bulb. The more reliable model was distributed commercially and revolutionize lighting.


Quick Facts

  • Josiah Wedgwood, master potter and founder of the Wedgwood company, was the grandfather of evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin
  • The Wedgwood stamp varied over time, but notable versions include: “Wedgwood” marked in one slug in an arcing pattern, a three letter code denoting date of manufacture, and “MADE IN ENGLAND”
  • Wedgwood signature finishes include green glaze, creamware, black basalt, and jasperware, all of which were quickly copied by others manufacturers

Recommended Items at Auction

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Waterford Lamp 30 in. (76.2 cm.)
Jul 16, 6:00 PM EDT
Waterford Lamp 30 in. (76.2 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$3010 Bids
Vntg Brass Double Arm Victorian Student Lamp
Jul 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Vntg Brass Double Arm Victorian Student Lamp
by The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Est: $20- $50
$100 Bids
Amboy Studios leaded swirl border lamp. 22" in diameter
Jul 17, 12:00 PM EDT
Amboy Studios leaded swirl border lamp. 22" in diameter
by Gallery 63
Est: $3,000- $4,000
$1,2000 Bids
Victorian Floral Stencil & Brass Oil Lamp
Jul 17, 12:00 PM EDT
Victorian Floral Stencil & Brass Oil Lamp
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
Victorian Converted Pressed Glass Table Lamp
Jul 17, 12:00 PM EDT
Victorian Converted Pressed Glass Table Lamp
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $50- $100
$300 Bids
A Regency style paint decorated metal boulliotte lamp (lacking shade)
Jul 19, 9:30 AM PDT
A Regency style paint decorated metal boulliotte lamp (lacking shade)
by Clars Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
British Colonial Style Tole & Resin Palm Leaf Lamp
Jul 24, 12:00 PM EDT
British Colonial Style Tole & Resin Palm Leaf Lamp
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $50- $100
$300 Bids
A modern industrial style crafted metal lamp, by Spuds Unique Lamps, Maldon
Jul 28, 10:00 AM AEST
A modern industrial style crafted metal lamp, by Spuds Unique Lamps, Maldon
by Gibson's
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD3600 Bids
IRON TABLE LAMP
Jul 18, 10:00 AM EDT
IRON TABLE LAMP
by Vintage Accents Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$200 Bids
A VICTORIAN MAHOGANY STANDARD LAMP (172CM H X 47CM DIA)
Jul 17, 10:00 AM AEST
A VICTORIAN MAHOGANY STANDARD LAMP (172CM H X 47CM DIA)
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD1800 Bids
English Procelain Table Lamp 20th C., H 11"
Jul 18, 11:00 AM EDT
English Procelain Table Lamp 20th C., H 11"
by DuMouchelles
Est: $50- $150
$250 Bids
Coaching lamps. A pair of Victorian brass coaching lamps
Jul 17, 10:00 AM BST
Coaching lamps. A pair of Victorian brass coaching lamps
by Dominic Winter Auctions
Est: £100- £150
£1000 Bids
A Pair of Christopher Hyde Empire Table Lamps
Jul 26, 11:00 AM PST
A Pair of Christopher Hyde Empire Table Lamps
by Leon Gallery
Est: ₱5,000- ₱6,500
₱5,0000 Bids
A Christopher Hyde Nash Table Lamp
Jul 26, 11:00 AM PST
A Christopher Hyde Nash Table Lamp
by Leon Gallery
Est: ₱2,000- ₱2,600
₱2,0000 Bids
Three Christopher Hyde Corinth Table Lamps
Jul 26, 11:00 AM PST
Three Christopher Hyde Corinth Table Lamps
by Leon Gallery
Est: ₱8,000- ₱10,400
₱8,0000 Bids
A Christopher Hyde Palace Table Lamp
Jul 26, 11:00 AM PST
A Christopher Hyde Palace Table Lamp
by Leon Gallery
Est: ₱2,000- ₱2,600
₱2,0000 Bids
Good Victorian imari ceramic oil lamp
Jul 20, 12:00 PM AEST
Good Victorian imari ceramic oil lamp
by Barsby Auctions
Est: AUD80- AUD150
AUD700 Bids
English Georgian Style Turned And Carved Wood Floor Lamps H 59.5" Dia. 15.5" 1 PAIR
Jul 18, 11:00 AM EDT
English Georgian Style Turned And Carved Wood Floor Lamps H 59.5" Dia. 15.5" 1 PAIR
by DuMouchelles
Est: $200- $500
$1000 Bids
English Mahogany Barley Twist Floor Lamp, Mid 20th C., H 55" Dia. 13"
Jul 18, 11:00 AM EDT
English Mahogany Barley Twist Floor Lamp, Mid 20th C., H 55" Dia. 13"
by DuMouchelles
Est: $75- $150
$300 Bids
ROBERT DUDLEY BEST 'BL1' TABLE LAMP
Jul 21, 6:00 PM AEST
ROBERT DUDLEY BEST 'BL1' TABLE LAMP
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD400- AUD500
AUD3500 Bids
Arts and Crafts green slag glass boudoir lamp
Jul 18, 10:00 AM CDT
Arts and Crafts green slag glass boudoir lamp
by Link Auction Galleries
Est: $125- $200
$600 Bids
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KING OF DIAMONDS BRASS CANDLE STANDS AS LAMPS
Jul 16, 10:00 AM EDT
KING OF DIAMONDS BRASS CANDLE STANDS AS LAMPS
by Litchfield Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
(2) Vintage Stiffel Style Hollywood Regency Lamps
Jul 19, 10:00 AM MST
(2) Vintage Stiffel Style Hollywood Regency Lamps
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
Paul Mayen for Habitat Lollipop Lamp, Ca. 1970s, H 24" Dia. 11"
Jul 18, 11:00 AM EDT
Paul Mayen for Habitat Lollipop Lamp, Ca. 1970s, H 24" Dia. 11"
by DuMouchelles
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell English Lamps & Lights


Leon Gallery

Leon Gallery

DuMouchelles

DuMouchelles

Greenwich Auction

Greenwich Auction

Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel