You may have noticed that the title of today’s post is ‘I’m In Love With….’, which is pretty much about my journey as an interior designer; finding new products, ideas and inspiration. I thought I’d start sharing this particular part of my life with you, and I am kicking off with my all time favourite, lighting combined with sustainability!
Every year, my family and I holiday in beautiful Cornwall. This year, I happened across this fabulous specialist lighting shop Any Old Lights . It’s a treasure trove of reclaimed and vintage lighting sourced mainly from Maritime and Industrial industries, and is based in the beautiful town of Fowey in Cornwall.
Any Old Lights, Reclaimed Maritime & Industrial Lighting Specialists
About
Any Old Lights stock is sourced from decommissioned ships with the addition of salvaged lighting from factories and warehouses from around the UK. They also sell some wonderful maritime collectables.
My husband had great fun playing with this salvaged vintage telegraph from a ship. With the hubby occupied, I had time to take in all the wonderful lighting!!
A close up of the vintage ships telegraph lovingly restored.
Right back to the lighting at Any Old Lights!
It’s surprising how many different forms (shapes) of maritime and industrial lighting there are. I particularly love the grey and the green pendant which direct the light sideways rather than vertically.
Any Old Lights Shop
The shop itself happens to be one of the oldest buildings in Fowey, (or so I was told by the lovely lady who runs the bookshop across the way). Intrigued, I actually looked the building up when I got back. It is in fact a Grade II listed building, which was a former merchants house C17. The authenticity of the building really shines through inside the shop with its rubble side walls and low beamed ceiling. It is no wonder when you venture inside, you actually feel like your entering a smugglers den or Aladdin’s cave. The lighting on sale provides the lighting source to the shop, which creates a wonderful atmosphere to its reclaimed treasures.
The craftsmanship of all the all items they had in stock was so inspiring. To be honest, the whole shop had me jumping up and down like a wee lass who had just stepped into a sweet shop for the very first time.
Any Old Lights – Restoration
As you’d expect, these maritime pieces, were made to endure nature at its best, and worst, whilst at sea. At Any Old Lights, they have thoughtfully restored these salvaged/reclaimed lights with empathy. Retaining some markings or patina from wear and tear from their original usage from years at sea. It adds authenticity and character to each individual light.
Most of their lights also are fitted with standard E27 fitments to fit in with current regulations and makes life so much easier when you have them fitted.
As the years roll by, as with any product, some items cease to exist. What I love at Any Old Lights, is that they are able to source very good replicas of lighting that would otherwise be forgotten. This includes industrial as well as maritime pieces. In doing so, they are keeping us in touch with lighting and its history.
And yes, I couldn’t leave without purchasing something for my own home….
This is my treasured double-sided clock salvaged from a cargo ship which now adorns our kitchen wall. We absolutely love it!!
Lovingly restored by Any Old Lights whilst retaining its character from years at sea.
Don’t worry if you aren’t able to visit them in person, they have a fantastic website with their latest wares, and ship worldwide. Whilst I was there, they had stock going to the USA.
Finally, on an end note, buying reclaimed or salvaged lighting of any kind, provides your homes with individualism and character, whilst helping the environment. Best of all, you get to own a little bit of history!!
Maria
2 Comments
LOVE this Maria…I adore industrial/reclaimed lighting and often use it in my designs as well as at home. Great piece xx
Thanks Amanda! So much to love with reclaimed and industrial lighting :D Thanks for reading and for your lovely comments :D Maria x