Lamp suppliers

[Andrew C]

Not actually after theatrical lamps, but someone may have some clues for me.

 

I used to buy weird lamps from Specialist Lamp Distributors in Leeds.  They have been taken over by Edmunson and seem to have just disappeared as an entity.

 

Does anyone have recommendations for the weird and wonderful lamps?

[Robin D]

I have bought a few oddities as well as theatrical ('Entertainment' on the menu) lamps from CP Lighting. Service was excellent last time I used them just before the  first lockdown. 

[Andrew C]

Good call; I'd forgotten them!

[Junior8]

I used them for years too - they were absorbed by Edmunson years ago and seem to still exist though with a different focus  https://www.sld-london.co.uk/

Theatre and Studio is still listed under Specialist Lamps on their website but with no catalogue

[ianknight]

Central Theatre Supplies in Birmingham (yes - I used to work there) they do online and in person sales - you can see prices & stocks here.

I understand from Jo Beaumont-Ward (the owner) that they're having some supply chain issues - not sure how this applies to lamps but well worth giving them a call (and mentioning that Ian Knight said to contact them).

[adam2]

Agree that CP lighting are useful, link in an earlier post.

Another supplier worth trying is International lamps, they have a not very helpful website, but telephoning can be better, 01279 224466. International lamps are very competitive on price and keep a good range of hard to find lamps, not just theatre types but d0m3stic and industrial.

I have no connection with either of the above.

And dont forget fleabay, all sorts of oddities may be found. Including 28 volt mercury vapour lamps ! Yes a discharge lamp that runs from only 28 volts without any voltage increasing circuitry. For a bonus point, does anyone know for what these were used ?

 

 

[xllx]

On 1/22/2022 at 5:45 PM, adam2 said:

For a bonus point, does anyone know for what these were used ?

It's been a while, but some of the Strong followspots used a 28v Arc Lamp. Not mercury vapour I suspect, so maybe not what you were thinking of. 

[adam2]

The 28 volt mercury lamps were of low wattage, about 4 watts IIRC. Used behind a suitable filter so as to give primarily ultra violet light and used to light the cockpit of aircraft. The absence of visible light enhanced night vision, pointers on instruments and important controls were marked with fluorescent paint that glowed under the ultraviolet light.

Worked well, the main drawback was that if the pilot wore a white shirt as was customary, this garment might fluoresce brightly and distractingly.  Even a white vest under a dark coloured shirt could be distracting.

More of an eastern european idea, western military powers and airlines favoured dim red illumination.

fleabay link, 28 volt mercury lamp https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112625706207?hash=item1a3903e4df:g:HLYAAOSwxzdZ-gPc

Edited January 24, 2022 by adam2