Kitchen photo: Copyright Kit Latham.
One of the highlights of my recent visit to Rejuvenation Lighting in Portland was when historian Bo Sullivan was able to — immediately — identify the vintage pulldown light over my kitchen table. I don’t think I’ve told this story before: One Friday afternoon after a hard day’s work — when I was driving home – I got the idea that I needed a vintage light NOW. This was when I was putting the final details of my kitchen together before contractor Kevin started. So as soon as I got home, I jumped on ebay and with 12 minutes to go spotted the light shown here above the tulip table. Of course, I snapped it up – for $12. Bo knows lighting – he knew exactly who made the light and showed it to me in a catalog —>
Ta da!: It’s a 1959 Imperialite, made by Emerson-Imperial.
The date on this catalog is Sept. 15, 1959. Hey, my light is 50 years old this year: Like Barbie, and me!
This light – which I spotted on ebay last year – was on the same page with my light, in the catalog:
Aren’t these all swoon-able?
Note: I also have been told that pull-down lights like these are no longer to code — that’s why you don’t see them for sale any more. I am not an expert, so if you have a light like this, consult with a professional to assess the situation so that you can make informed decisions. Also, when working with old lights, a pro can also help you assess the wiring situation. For more info see my Renovate Safe page.
Here’s Bo with another catalog. Over the past 15 years, Bo has been collecting vintage marketing material from 20th century lighting companies. The collection is AMAZING. Rejuvenation is in the process of moving the collection from the factory… over to the store. There, it will be accessible to customers as a research and inspiration resource. And guess what – there’s a latte bar at the store, too. Now, that’s all I need to be happy: Good coffee… and a million vintage lighting catalogs. Bo, are you sure I’m invited back? I’ll never leave! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. More Rejuvenation posts to come…
Where to find a shade for my vintage light – a round ceiling fixture? 
For mis-matched windows: How about cafe curtains with a valence? 
Midcentury modern pendant lamps from Progress, 1961 
Youngstown Kitchens Woodcharm line 
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Milster says
Thanks for the info Jane & Pam; I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll most likely have it rewired so I don’t worry about my house catchin’ on fire while I’m out looking for more treasures. Better to be safe than sorry and we have a good source here who I can go to. I was, just for a moment, entertaining the thought of saving a few bucks, but not worth the worry in the long run.
shelly says
Wouldn’t it be great if he could put those catalogs online!
Glamorlux Nancy says
So cool! My husband and I love “establishing provenance” (as we refer to it). Finding something that you have in your home, in a vintage magazine or catalog is like making a tangible connection with the past!
Glamorlux Nancy says
PS: Does Bo have the coolest job in the world or what?!
Femme1 says
Establishing provenance IS fun! Part of the interest for me in the mid-century modern era is learning about the designers, the manufacturers, and the history of the era.
Just yesterday I picked up my pull-down light from the repair shop. I bought the lamp from eBay, and it was supposed to be in fine working order, but when I received it, the retractable cord didn’t work. Cost $75 to fix (which I thought was a little high). But I’m happy that I’ll be able to get it put up in my dining room this weekend. I’ll send Pam a pic, as I haven’t seen any lamp like this before. Gee, maybe Bo knows something about it…Bo, are you reading the blog??