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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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PAIR OF VICTORIAN BRASS THREE-LIGHT GAS LAMPS Height: 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm.)
Dec 08, 12:00 PM EST
PAIR OF VICTORIAN BRASS THREE-LIGHT GAS LAMPS Height: 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm.)
by Potomack Company
Est: $150- $250
$802 Bids
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VICTORIAN GLASS OIL LAMP
Dec 07, 9:00 AM AEST
VICTORIAN GLASS OIL LAMP
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD101 Bid
Vic cast iron based pink glass kero lamp
Dec 06, 10:00 AM AEDT
Vic cast iron based pink glass kero lamp
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD501 Bid
English Painted Green Glass Luster Lamps, Pair
Dec 17, 12:00 PM EST
English Painted Green Glass Luster Lamps, Pair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1000 Bids
Victorian Gas Lamp Lighter/Pole
Dec 12, 10:00 AM EST
Victorian Gas Lamp Lighter/Pole
by Schwenke Auctioneers
Est: $50- $100
$200 Bids
VICTORIAN CERAMIC LAMPS
Dec 11, 6:00 PM EST
VICTORIAN CERAMIC LAMPS
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
Victorian Leaded, Painted and Stained Glass Parcel-Gilt Metal Lantern
Dec 07, 10:00 AM EST
Victorian Leaded, Painted and Stained Glass Parcel-Gilt Metal Lantern
by STAIR
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
A Victorian brass student or reading lamp,
Dec 07, 10:00 AM GMT
A Victorian brass student or reading lamp,
by Cheffins
Est: £80- £120
£600 Bids
AN EDWARDIAN BRASS STANDARD LAMP
Dec 06, 9:30 AM GMT
AN EDWARDIAN BRASS STANDARD LAMP
by Elstob Auctioneers
Est: £150- £250
£900 Bids
VICTORIAN BRASS OIL LAMP
Dec 05, 10:00 AM GMT
VICTORIAN BRASS OIL LAMP
by Sheppards
Est: €100- €150
€600 Bids
EDWARDIAN BRASS BOUILLOTTE LAMP
Dec 06, 10:00 AM GMT
EDWARDIAN BRASS BOUILLOTTE LAMP
by Sheppards
Est: €500- €800
€3000 Bids
BERNARD ROOKE (BRITISH B.1938)
Dec 04, 9:30 AM GMT
BERNARD ROOKE (BRITISH B.1938)
by Chiswick Auctions
Est: £150- £250
£700 Bids
Victorian Stained Art Glass Table Lamp
Dec 30, 2:00 PM EST
Victorian Stained Art Glass Table Lamp
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $300- $600
$2800 Bids
Victorian Style Double Lit Stained Art Glass Lamp
Dec 30, 2:00 PM EST
Victorian Style Double Lit Stained Art Glass Lamp
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $400- $800
$3400 Bids
Victorian Stained Art Glass Table Lamp
Dec 30, 2:00 PM EST
Victorian Stained Art Glass Table Lamp
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $300- $600
$2400 Bids
Victorian Style Stained Art Glass Pedestal Lamp
Dec 30, 2:00 PM EST
Victorian Style Stained Art Glass Pedestal Lamp
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $400- $600
$3000 Bids
An English spelter table lamp having frosted white shade. H 72cm, W 24cm
Dec 10, 12:00 PM AEDT
An English spelter table lamp having frosted white shade. H 72cm, W 24cm
by Christian McCann Auctions
Est: AUD100- AUD150
AUD500 Bids
Wetterlampe Protector/ miner's lamp
Dec 07, 2:00 PM CET
Wetterlampe Protector/ miner's lamp
by Kunstauktionshaus Günther
Est: €0- €0
€200 Bids
Ruskin Pottery, a crystalline table lamp
Dec 08, 10:00 AM GMT
Ruskin Pottery, a crystalline table lamp
by Kinghams Auctioneers
Est: £100- £150
£800 Bids
Georgian Style Brass Bouillotte Lamp
Dec 06, 12:00 PM EST
Georgian Style Brass Bouillotte Lamp
by Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Est: $50- $100
$300 Bids
British Moorcroft "Pomegranate" Vase Lamp, 1920s
Jan 16, 11:00 AM EST
British Moorcroft "Pomegranate" Vase Lamp, 1920s
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1000 Bids
Victorian Alabaster and Acid Etched Lamp
Dec 13, 9:30 AM EST
Victorian Alabaster and Acid Etched Lamp
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $150- $250
$500 Bids
Victorian Duplex Burner Lamp with Opalescent Swirl Ruffled Shade
Dec 13, 9:30 AM EST
Victorian Duplex Burner Lamp with Opalescent Swirl Ruffled Shade
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $150- $250
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell English Lamps & Lights


Connoisseur Online

Connoisseur Online

Potomack Company

Potomack Company

Sheppards

Sheppards

Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers

Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers