#throwbackthursday - Primelite Manufacturing

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Primelite

Repost: #tbtPrimelite 1970s “Glamour Globes”

#tbt / #1970s / #then&now

#tbtPrimelite: Primelite’s flashback this week highlights our “Glamour Globes” series from the 1970s. Heavily influenced by the disco era, these fun globes were constructed of polycarbonate and embedded with crackle chips, within the globes, creating the metallic finish shown. Available in the “de rigueur” colors of the time, including green, gold, blue, red, and white. These globes were, and still are, the definition of “cool”!

#then&now: Contrasting our Primelite globe fixtures from 1970s and 2015.

Globes have always been one of Primelite’s most popular styles of lighting. But did you know globes are no longer just round? Today Primelite offers globes in many shapes; including cube, ellipsoid, “deco”, and round. While the colorful “Glamour Globe” series is no longer available, we do offer our globes in opal, smoke and clear. Materials range from glass, acrylic, polyethene, polycarbonate and are available in sizes from 6″ to 36″*.

Our globe selections work in stylish interiors as well as in all types of commercial locations; office buildings, retail spaces and restaurants, to outdoor utilitarian situations including the post lights used in parks, parking lots and street lighting. Primelite globes have even appeared in magazines, television and movies.

So whatever, and wherever, your lighting needs are, Primelite’s globes can fit your project and budget.

Page from Primelite 1970s catalog featuring the Glamour Globe" series. — Primelite 1970s catalog page featuring the Glamour Globe” series.

* Not all shapes are available in all materials or colors. Consult our catalog or office for specific availability.

(Repost. Originally posted Oct. 15, 2015)

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite #1960s #PullDown #Pulley #Light

#tbtPrimelite | #1960 | #PullDownPendant

#tbtPrimelite: While combing through the Primelite archives, we came across a series of original black and white photographs from our 1960 catalogs. Among the photos was this brass “pull down” or “pulley” pendant. A true representative of the space-age estethic of the time. With a 1960s modern design, this “pull-down” fixture would be at home in any contemporary retro installation.

#tbtPhoto: Enjoy the scan of the original photograph.

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite #1960s #Wood #Brass #Pendant

#tbtPrimelite | #1960 | #pendant

#tbtPrimelite: While combing through the Primelite archives, we came across a series of original black and white photographs from our 1960 catalogs. Among the photos was this wood and brass pendant. A true representative of the brass and wood stylings of the time. With a 1960s modern esthetic, this fixture would be at home in any contemporary retro installation.

#tbtPhoto: Enjoy the scan of the original photograph.

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite Modern Color

#tbt / #1970s / #ColorbyPrimelite

#tbtPrimelite: Chrome was a big design feature during the 1980’s. Taking notice Primelite Mfg introduced their “Modern – By Primelite” chrome lighting series. Incorporating chrome fixtures and white globe lights, “Modern” was indeed Primelite’s most “modern” lighting series. While the clean, stark and modern look was very popular, Primelite introduced some color into all this starkness. Primelite’s collection included Lucite shades available in color; Blue, Green, Amber, Red and Smoke.

#then&now: Today Primelite continues to bring color to our fashion fixtures. As an example, we’re highlighting our Mason Jar Collection which includes the choice of tinted Mason Jars, including the “Spreader” featured above. Our Mason Jars are available in blue, red, green, yellow, frosted and clear giving you a large variety of mix and match color. Check out our catalog – “Primelite Collection: Mason Jar Series” for more information.

Page Scan: Original “Modern by Primelite collection”

Repost. Original 12/17/15

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite #1960s #MediterraneanStyle

#tbtPrimelite | #1960s | #MediterraneanStyle

#tbtPrimelite: While researching our collection of antique Primelite catalogs we’ve come across original catalog pages featuring some of our early lighting fixtures. We’ll be sharing these photos in our weekly #tbtPrimelite series.

This week we are highlighting hanging fixtures from our “Mediterranean” series from the mid-1960s. Mediterranean style, also referred to as “Spanish style”, was very popular and these wrought-iron fixtures definitely reflect the style of the time.

“Elegant Scrolls in genuine wrought iron. Multicolored glass panels in any combination of Amber, Wine, Blue, Green or Alabaster White. Red available at extra charge. Chain-hung…Black finish.”

#tbtPrimelite Mediterranean series — Primelite Catalog Scan: Mediterranean Series

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite #1960s #Photos

#tbtPrimelite | 1960s | #photo

#tbtPrimelite: While researching our collection of antique Primelite catalogs we came across original black and white photographs featuring some of our early lighting fixtures. The photos are stunning and over the upcoming weeks we will be sharing these photos in our weekly #tbtPrimelite series.

To start things off this week we’re highlighting fixture #2706G, a 6 candelabra brass chandelier. As you can see this is old school photography. Though it does appear that the light reflections on the glass shades were “enhanced.” But rather than the digital magic of today, these light reflections & glow appear to have been actually painted on the photo! As was common in the days before Photoshop. Old school photo touchups and special effects were done by hand and on the actual photo! By artists! Something that is now long gone.

Anyway, chandelier #2706G came with 6 x 60 watt candelabras, glass shades and was available in different finishes; Polished Brass, Old English, and Pewter.

#details #details #details: Its said that perfection is all in the details! Upon closer reflection you can see traces of the actual photographic shoot. Look closely at the brass globe at the bottom of the chandelier and you can see the reflection of the photo studio where the photo was shot. Humorously you can see the reflection of the not quite hidden white blind in which the photographer stood when shooting the actual picture. Versions of which are still practiced today, though any traces are easily removed in post-production. Now looking closely at a candelabra. You can see the painted highlights on the glass shade and candelabra bulb. Another artistic touch from a very talented retoucher.

original scan — Scan of 1960s photograph of Primelite chandelier #2706G

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite 1960s Chrome

#tbt / #1960s / #chrome

#tbtPrimelite: An important design element of the 1960s home was the metallic finishes of chrome and brass. Always looking fashion forward, Primelite introduced their collection of metallic home fixtures. Finished in chrome, brass or a combination of both. Many fixtures included colored inserts available in a multitude of stylish colors: Black, white, yellow, mustard, avocado, apple green, red, blue, burnt orange, earth brown and walnut veneer. Our fixtures were popular, both, with home decorators and interior designers.

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite Victorian Gas Lights II

#tbt / #1960s / #VictorianGasLights

#tbtPrimelite: In the 1960’s Victorian inspired home design was very popular, with many mid-century homes showcasing Victorian furniture, lighting and home accessories. At the time, Primelite Mfg’s catalogs featured their line of Victorian gaslight-inspired lighting. Our Victorian lighting series featured colorful and textured glass lampshades that successfully captured that charming “gas-glow” of Victorian lamps. Our popular fixtures would illuminate the interiors of homes. Nationwide.

The Victorian gaslight collection included a range of hanging and wall mounted lights, incorporating decorative brass arms, hanging chains and colorful glass shades. An interior designer’s delight; these lights were available in custom finishes including; Polished Brass and Antique Brass . The textured glass shades were available in colors including; Ruby, Amber, Cranberry, “Acqua” and Opal White.

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite Victorian Gas Lights

#tbt / #1970s / #VictorianGasLights

#tbtPrimelite: Catalogs of Primelite’s lighting fixtures were, and still are, an important part of business. Featured in an early catalog was this series of Victorian gaslight inspired fixtures. With colorful and textured glass lampshades, these fixtures successfully captured the charming “gas-glow” of Victorian lamps and brought it to residences throughout the US.

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Primelite

#tbtPrimelite Victorian Lights

#tbt / #1970s / #VictorianLights

#tbtPrimelite: A trip back in time finds Primelite featuring their line of “Victorian Lights” collection. The collection includes a range of hanging lights incorporating fanciful arms and colorful glass shades. An interior designer’s delight; the decorative arms were available in custom finishes including; Old English Brass, Antique White and Antique Gold. The corresponding glass shades were available in colors including; Green, Honey Amber, Yellow and Champagne Brown.