Introduction
The Mathmos jelly lamp has been a staple of retro home decor since it was first introduced in the 1960s. The lamp is made up of colorful blobs of wax that move and float around in a glass jar filled with liquid, creating a mesmerizing and relaxing visual display. In this article, we will explore the history of the Mathmos jelly lamp, its unique design, and how it has maintained its popularity over the years.
The History of the Mathmos Jelly Lamp
The Mathmos jelly lamp was invented by the British entrepreneur Edward Craven-Walker in 1963. Craven-Walker was also responsible for inventing the iconic lava lamp, but he wanted to create a lamp that was more soothing and relaxing to watch. After experimenting with various materials, he eventually came up with the idea of using wax, which he believed would create a more satisfying visual effect.
Craven-Walker’s original design for the jelly lamp featured a glass jar filled with a clear liquid, with colorful blobs of wax floating inside. The lamp was an instant hit, and soon became a fixture in homes and offices around the world. Over the years, Mathmos has continued to refine and improve the design of the lamp, with new colors and shapes of blobs being introduced on a regular basis.
The Unique Design of the Mathmos Jelly Lamp
The design of the Mathmos jelly lamp is what sets it apart from other types of lamps. The lamp is made up of two main components: the glass jar and the blobs of wax. The glass jar is filled with a clear liquid, which is usually water or mineral oil. The blobs of wax are made up of a specially formulated mixture of paraffin wax and oil, which gives them their distinctive texture and movement.
When the lamp is turned on, the heat from the bulb at the bottom of the jar melts the wax blobs, causing them to rise to the top of the jar. As they cool, they sink back down to the bottom of the jar, creating a constant cyclical motion. The light from the bulb shines through the blobs of wax, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing visual effect.
The Popularity of the Mathmos Jelly Lamp
Despite being over 50 years old, the Mathmos jelly lamp remains as popular as ever. The lamp has become an icon of retro home decor, and is a must-have for anyone looking to create a vintage-inspired look in their home. The lamp has also remained relevant by adapting to new trends and styles, with new colors and patterns of blobs being introduced on a regular basis.
Another reason for the continued popularity of the Mathmos jelly lamp is its ability to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Watching the blobs of wax float and move around in the jar can be incredibly soothing, making the lamp a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and spas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mathmos jelly lamp is a true icon of retro home decor. Its unique design and mesmerizing visual effect have captured the hearts of people around the world for over 50 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or just looking for a way to add a touch of relaxation to your home, the Mathmos jelly lamp is a must-have item for anyone’s home decor collection.