UK firm reuses vintage lights in New York bar

British firm Skinflint has supplied a range of pre-used vintage luminaires to a bar in New York,

The Cornwall-based reconditioner of industrial and decorative lights provided Sir Henry’s bar on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan with products salvaged from the Czech Republic.

The owners of the bar say they want to revive the spirit of ‘70s Manhattan and pay homage to the Irish roots of the establishment, which has a sister location in County Cork, Ireland. The bar is ‘on a mission to bring back the counterculture of art and music’ of its Cork-based namesake, using retro interiors and vintage decor to stay true to its roots.

Before entering the building, its electric ambience proclaimed on the street. Once inside, Skinflint’s 1960s Czech wall lights illuminate the main bar, their retro geometric glass shades providing texture against the well-stocked shelves.

Upstairs, the company’s decorative Czech pendants sit above a second bar, their diamond pattern glass providing a striking illumination to the more intimate room. Darker wood and dimmer lights give the room a vintage Americana feel, elevated by the Czech crystal lighting and cocktail glasses to match.

The company’s lights are also featured in the Horseshoe Bar, a private room that houses the striking 1970s Lustry Kamenicky Senov chandelier. Dedicated to the retro vibes, the room features a snakeskin lined, blue velvet bar which complements the signature 1970s chandelier.

The brushed brass features and geometric shades pull together the interior, which is also lit by retro Czech wall lights. The interiors were designed by Affect Design and Handwerk with construction work by Affect Build. Pictures are by Alejandro Ramos.

Skinflint has restored over 50,000 lights and it promises to take them back in exchange for a credit under its ‘Full Circle’ buy-back pledge, an industry first.

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