Monumental Cast Bronze Exterior Lanterns by The General Electric Company
Run of Four – Formerly Installed at the G.E.C Factory, Swinton, South Yorkshire
An exceptionally rare surviving run of monumental exterior wall lanterns by The General Electric Company, removed in 1957 from the exterior of the G.E.C factory in Swinton, South Yorkshire, where they had originally been installed as part of the building’s architectural lighting scheme.
Constructed entirely in heavy cast bronze and designed at a scale rarely encountered today, these lanterns represent the type of industrial architecture fittings produced during G.E.C’s interwar period, when durability, visual authority, and technical refinement were equally important.
The lantern bodies feature deeply moulded bronze frames with inset frosted glass panels, while the sculptural bracket and gallery show the distinctive combination of functional engineering and restrained decorative detail typical of G.E.C’s architectural fittings. A closely related version of this lantern appears in the advertising section of the 1933–1935 edition of the Architects’ Standard Catalogue, confirming the model within the company’s professional specification range.
These lanterns remain in completely original condition and are currently unrestored, photographed here with the glass panels removed. All original frosted panels are present. They will be supplied fully restored, rewired, and ready for installation, though we are offering them in advance of restoration to allow the client or designer to influence the final finish if desired.
Pieces of this scale and provenance are rarely available and are particularly suited to heritage buildings, large residential entrances, hospitality projects, or commercial schemes where architectural lighting is intended to define the façade rather than simply illuminate it.
Technical Specifications
Maker: The General Electric Company (G.E.C)
Origin: United Kingdom
Era: Interwar period, c.1930s
Provenance: Removed in 1957 from the exterior of the G.E.C factory, Swinton, South Yorkshire
Catalogue Reference:
Comparable example illustrated in the Architects’ Standard Catalogue, 1933–1935 edition
Quantity Available: Run of four matching lanterns
Dimensions (each lantern):
920mm height (approx. 36.2 inches)
440mm diameter (approx. 17.3 inches)
580mm projection from wall including bracket (approx. 22.8 inches)
Weight: approx. 40 kg each
Construction:
Entirely cast bronze body and bracket
Inset frosted glass panels (all present)
Material: Cast bronze & frosted glass
Finish: Currently unrestored with original surface patination retained
Condition:
Structurally excellent. Complete with original glass.
Currently unrestored — lanterns will be supplied fully restored and ready for installation.
Wiring:
Will be professionally rewired during restoration.
We can wire to suit US / UK / EU electrical standards.
Installation:
Due to the exceptional weight and scale, structural fixing and professional installation are essential.
Shipping & Delivery
Free UK Mainland Shipping.
International Buyers:
We ship globally via specialist carriers.
Due to the size, weight, and value of these lanterns, they will be professionally crated and fully insured for transit.
