Focus on Manufacturer: Elstead Lighting
History
Elstead Lighting as we know it now started as Elstead Forge in the little hamlet of Elstead, Surrey in 1686. Whilst the forge primarily made gates, railings and hearth accessories everytime they received an order for a fire basket (or light) they would make a few extra and put the surplus on display. The lights grew so popular it led to the company designing and manufacturing more and more and set them on the journey to where they are today.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's the forge grew and grew as business boomed, eventually they outgrew their premises and moved to a new factory in the Mill Lane Industrial Estate in Alton, Hampshire. By the mid 1980's once more the company needed to expand and they purchased another site on Mill Lane, by this time they were specialising in lighting more than anything else and therefore changed the company name to Elstead Lighting Ltd.
In the early 2000's, the company found new premises to allow them to operate in a more modern way, with the benefit of a large showroom. This site is their present home, known as Elstead House.
By 2012 Elstead had continued to grow and became truly international, signing a partnership agreement with four prominent North American firms; Hinkley, Feiss, Quoizel and Flambeau, allowing them to sell designer American lighting in the 240v UK market.
In 2013 Elstead House was expanded to provide a 9,000sq ft. showroom to showcase more of their lighting and portfolio of brands which were added to once more in 2014 with the addition of American brand Stiffel and again in 2015 with lighting ranges from Kichler. Their showroom now boasts over 2,500 products making it one of the largest collections of decorative lighting in the UK!
Manufacturing and Design
Elstead are one of the leading residential lighting manufacturers and distributors in the UK, employing over 90 staff in Hampshire and 40 staff overseas. They have manufacturing and distribution facilities of over 17,000 sq metres across two sites in the UK and Poland. Elstead specialises in decorative lighting and takes influence from classical styles and designs, they are proud to use traditional handcrafts in the production of the lights as well as embracing modern instruments and equipment. The majority of the Elstead interior collection is manufactured in Alton using traditional welding and patination skills to create their striking, distinctive products, along with a bespoke shade making facility.
Elstead are proud members of both the Lighting Industry Association & The Guild of Craftsmen.
Our Favourite Products
Picking some of our favourite fittings from Elstead Lighting was not easy due to the huge range, fantastic quality and the sheer diversity of fittings available. Below however are a few of our staff favourites. You can view many more on our website https://www.electricsandlighting.co.uk/products?search_api_views_fulltext=elstead, you can also look at the entire range online at: https://www.elsteadlighting.com. Alternatively if you are in the Hampshire area we would strongly recommend a look around their showroom, not only is the range of displays fantastic, the staff are more than happy to help and guide you through any questions.
Theatre Row Wall Nickel - https://www.electricsandlighting.co.uk/products/light-fittings/elstead-theatre-row-wall-light-polished-silver-finish
Brinley 3 Light Antique Bronze - https://www.electricsandlighting.co.uk/products/light-fittings/elstead-kichler-brinley-glass-3-drop-pendant-light
Allier Flush Fitting - https://www.electricsandlighting.co.uk/products/light-fittings/elstead-feiss-allier-flush-round-wooden-flush-ceiling-light
Piper 18 Light Chandelier - https://www.electricsandlighting.co.uk/products/light-fittings/elstead-piper-18-light-glass-chandelier-light
