January 2010

January 2010 - The origin of today’s drop lights can be traced to very modest beginnings, where the need for adequate lighting pushed for the development of products that could provide a large distribution of light for factory workers and tradesmen alike. The most rudimentary creation to come from this new technology was the use of a bare socket and bulb, suspended from a cloth cord that provided a wide dispersion of light in small work areas. With the creation of this particular product, an increase in productivity for both consumer and worker began to occur, leading to a drastic rise in the quality of living at the time.

Also benefiting greatly from this advancement were storage areas, closets, and cellars that until this time had not been utilized due to the previous lack of sufficient light. Celebrating this monumental advancement, Barn Light Electric introduces the Indy Industrial Pendant that takes this classic stripped down appearance and brings it to the forefront of the lighting market. Whether used by itself or grouped together with additional matching pendants, the Indy Pendant makes a bold statement above dining tables, bars, islands, kitchen sinks, or open lofts creating the perfect industrial centerpiece. To complete this vintage look, try a Nostalgic Edison light bulb to experience the soft orange glow relayed through the squirrel cage filament (sold separate). As always, this fixture comes with standard and additional optional features including an 8-foot Black or White cord, a 5-inch round Ceiling Canopy in Black, White or Galvanized and an optional, authentic style Turn Key On/Off Switch.

The inspiration behind the Benjamin pendant came from the early 1930’s when Benjamin Electric specialized in porcelain RLM warehouse and factory shades. Their large, dark green shades were ideal for warehouse and factory use, but when it came to smaller shop lights, a new design was needed. Benjamin Electric originally produced the small, drop down light to position above work areas and counters that required closer, more intense light, but due to this smaller size, most of the shades were thrown out because of rusting on the mounting hardware – making them a rare find today.

To honor this lost fixture, Barn Light Electric is pleased to introduce the appropriately named, Benjamin Industrial Pendant. The 10-inch metal shade comes in over 40 standard or premium shade finish options. A 7-foot Black or White cord with a 5-inch Round Ceiling Canopy come standard with each. Many additional features are available including an optional Turn Key On/Off Switch and 8-foot Black or White cloth cord. Be sure to check out the Nostalgic Edison Style Light Bulbs (sold separately) to make this a true reproduction in your industrial style home or setting.