“Lighting during the 1960s was heavily influenced by our love affair with all things cosmic. At a time when the Victorian reproduction look was booming, spaceship like shades emerged with interwoven pieces made from gently folded plastic or metal. Furniture designers of the time also got on board with Guzzini’s pull down mushroom light and Panton’s astronaut helmet inspired lamp. For budgets that couldn’t stretch to these, the choice was a simple paper moon shade. Habitat in the UK introduced these in the 60s, and quickly became one of their bestselling lines.
The defining lights of this era were both rocket shaped. The lava lamp was designed in 1963 but didn’t become popular until later in the decade. The hippy generation loved its psychedelic feel, but with its torpedo shape and flowing lava inside, it is reminiscent of outer space.
The rocket lamp made from spun resin was a must have in the 1960s. Standing on 3 teak legs, the orange rocket is tall and eye catching….and lit up sends a warm glow around the room.”
(From Style Your Modern Vintage Home by yours truly!)
The lava lamp has continued to be popular as it is fun for all ages. Mathmos who invented them back in 1963 are now celebrating their 50th birthday this year.
The Mathmos story began with the invention of the Astro lava lamp by company founder and eccentric inventor Edward Craven-Walker.
Great old posters! I had 2 lava lamps as a teenager. Love that they haven’t changed. I would like to win one please! Katy x
Lava lamps are awesome, I would love to win one x
Lava lamps are so cool.
I was a teenager in the 70s and remember staring at them for ages
watching the lava move . Would love one -x
The Astro lamp is part of the the british invasion world wide and as iconic as the beatles, stones and kinks and the Mini when Britain was “Great Britain” its been copyed but never beating, why because each Astro lamp has the human touch to it and totaly english made. Its the rolls royce of the lava lamp.
this would look fab in my new front room!
I remember so badly wanting a lava lamp when I was a teenager, sadly I couldn’t find one in any of the local shops and when I got one at a car boot sale it didn’t work, and couldn’t be fixed.
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Ah, then maybe you will win this one! Have you subscribed to the blog?
Absolutely 🙂 I look forward to your blog posts coming to my inbox in the morning