Anglepoise Model 90 Task Light

Anglepoise Model 90 task light conical trumpet mushroom grey lampshade architect lamp balancing label 1970s

Lamps in the movies!

Wranglepoise (1977)

In 1977, amateur filmmaker, Peter Ryde releases ‘Wranglepoise’, a charming video short, which brings the very human characteristics of the Anglepoise lamps into the limelight. An orange model 90 plays a prominent role.

The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

An Anglepoise model 90 task light was used as a prop in the 1976 American British comedy film The Pink Panther Strikes Again. Starring Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom and Lesley-Anne Down.

Dept. Q (2025)

An Anglepoise model 90 task light was used as a prop in the 2025 Scottish crime thriller television series Dept. Q. Starring Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald and Chloe Pirrie. A black version also appears in this series.

Brannigan (1975)

Several Anglepoise task lights were used as a prop in the thriller/detective film Brannigan from 1975 with John Wayne and Richard Attenborough.

Day Of The Jackal (1973)

An Anglepoise model 1227 task light was used as a prop in the 1973 film Day Of The Jackal. Starring Edward Fox and Michael Lonsdale.

Carry On Cruising (1962)

An Anglepoise model 1227 task light was used as a prop in the 1962 British comedy film Carry On Cruising. Starring Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor.

Anglepoise Model 90 Task Light

Materials: Mushroom grey (beige) painted round iron base and square rods. The 3 rods are pivoting and adjustable. Cast iron counterweight inside the base. Green felt on the bottom. Mushroom grey painted aluminium conical trumpet lampshade. 3 chromed metal (iron) springs. Some metal and plastic parts. Bakelite E27 socket.

Height: 65 cm / 25.59” – adjustable

Width: 45 cm / 17.71” – adjustable

Lampshade: 14,4 x 21 cm / 5.66 x 8.26”

Base: ∅ 18 cm / 7.08”

Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used. Not a specific one preferred.

Period: 1970s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: The internal design team of Anglepoise.

Manufacturer: Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd., later named Anglepoise Lighting Ltd., Hampshire, United Kingdom.

Other versions: The Anglepoise model 90 task light exists in several colours. Produced with a switch on top of the lampshade and with a cord switch. The switch of this lamp was replaced by an 1990s model, unfortunately. The beige colour of this lamp was named “mushroom grey” at that time. Early versions (1973 – 1975) have the company name stamped in the metal. Later versions such as this one have a sticker in the lampshade.

Model 90

The Anglepoise model 90 task light is a variation of the model 75 lamp from 1968. It came in production in 1973. The successor to this lamp was the Apex 90 in 1985. The website of Anglepoise clearly explains the differences between the models.

Anglepoise

Herbert Terry and Sons Ltd. was founded in 1855 as a family-run company specializing in the manufacture of springs and presswork.In 1932, vehicle suspension engineer George Carwardine (1887–1947) invented a spring, crank, and lever mechanism that could be moved with minimal effort and remain in place once positioned. This innovation became the basis for the first Anglepoise task lamp.In 1971, Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd. was sold to the Associated Spring Corporation (now part of the Barnes Group). Four years later, in 1975, John Terry reacquired the lighting division and established Anglepoise Lighting Ltd.

Anglepoise lamps have since become widely recognized design classics. Throughout their development, the Terry family maintained the original focus on practical function and a distinct visual identity.

From the early Original 1227 model to later additions by industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange, and collaborations with Paul Smith and Margaret Howell, Anglepoise lamps reflect a consistent commitment to thoughtful British design.

Lamps in the movies!

James Bond – Skyfall (2012)

Anglepoise model 75 task lights (the modern version, designed by Paul Smith) were used as a prop in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. Also models 1227 and 1228 were used as a prop.

Endeavour TV series (2012 – 2023)

An Anglepoise model 1227 task light was used as a prop in the ITV TV series Endeavour (Endeavour Morse), series 6. Starring Shaun Evans and Roger Allam.

Take A Girl Like You (1970)

An Anglepoise model 75 task light was used as a prop in the 1970 British comedy film Take A Girl Like You. Starring Hayley Mills, Oliver Reed and Noel Harrison.

Give My Regards To Broad Street (1984)

An Anglepoise model 90 task light was used as a prop in the 1984 musical drama film Give My Regards To Broad Street. Written by and starring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Bryan Brown.