oversized versions of five classic lamps illuminate a manchester square

introducing bits of domesticity into the public landscape, london-based studio acrylicize has created a series of five oversized, playful lamps that double as street furniture and lighting. ‘the manchester lamps’ celebrate the city’s rich history of innovation, with each of the five installations reflecting a distinctive manchester period and style, from art deco and art nouveau, to victorian, mid century, and contemporary.

all photos courtesy of acrylicize

the public art installation by acrylicize aims to provide a unique meeting point for the people of manchester, and a fun way for them to learn more about its history. various stories are ‘woven’ into the shades of the five lamps, including earnest rutherford’s splitting of the first atom at manchester university in 1932, which is illustrated on the art deco lamp, and the famous enigma code by alan turing, displayed on the glowing green canopy of the banker’s desk lamp. a series of graphics and signs depicting an abstract map of the city draw passersby into the square, who are met by an oversize version of the angelpoise lamp.

the five installations are placed in a key public space within the city centre

the honeycomb design lattices across the 1950’s red, bedside light references the famous mancunian ‘worker bee’ mantra

the angelpoise lamp greets passersby into the square

its shade is turned upward, ‘projecting’ the graphic pattern onto the surrounding wall

the green, bunker’s desk light celebrates world famous mathematician alan turing and his contribution to math and computing technology

detail of alan turing’s enigma code engraved on the green canopy

the art nouveau lamp celebrates the UK’s oldest library, housed at manchester university

its surface is covered in book pages and fountain pen designs

the lamps double as street lighting and furniture

view of the installations at night

‘the manchester lamps’ are created in celebration of the city’s rich history of innovation and community