London, United Kingdom
Ray portable lamp, created by Daniel Schofield for Menu, is a sophisticated version of the traditional, old mining lamps, designed to commemorate his grandfather’s legacy.
Regarding the design process the designer explains that “taking the traditional mining light as a starting point, I tried to reduce it down to its essence and all it needed to be, whilst still having the charm of the original typology.”
“It needed to feel domestic and inviting, but also feel like a tool, something useful and robust. Then I wanted the piece to be able to come apart as much as possible so that if a certain element breaks or needs repairing, that is possible, so this mentality also informed the design’s physical outcome, he adds.
The design process touched upon the designer’s personal life story.
“I was thinking about portable lighting, and the essence of what a portable light needs to be, and quickly came to the mining light typology,” he explains.
“My grandad was a miner in the north of England, so the reference was there in my head I think.”
The lamp’s name, “Ray,” is a clear reference to his grandfather, Raymond.
The lamp features a minimal silhouette moderated by a cylindrical base surrounded by a wide circular shade.
A slim handle on top of the lamp makes it easy to transport and move around.
An energy-saving LED bulb emits a soft glow and can be dimmed, with three settings, while the lamp’s battery is charged via a concealed USB socket, with a battery optimized for up to ten hours of light.
Project: Ray Portable Lamp
Designer: Daniel Schofield Studio
Manufacturer: MENU A/S
