Iconic British brand and inventor of the lava lamp, Mathmos, has announced a limited edition collaboration of its design classic Astro lava lamp with multi-disciplinary designer Sabine Marcelis, known for her delicate play with light and colour.

Mathmos was founded in 1963 by British inventor, entrepreneur and eccentric Edward Craven Walker. The Astro lava lamp was then launched in 1963 and has been in continuous British production ever since. It is widely recognised as a pop design classic and features in several museum collections.

In celebration of Mathmos’ 60th anniversary, Sabine Marcelis has introduced her signature minimal and elegant approach to design into Mathmos’ classic Astro lava lamp, using white and one soft matt colour to give the product a fresh contemporary feel.

The metal base and cap are painted matt white; the bottle is etched to soften and blur the yellow lava moving within. Her box is again matt white with spot-varnished details. A white fabric cable with a translucent switch and plug completes the design.

There is no visible branding, with only a bespoke white limited-edition sticker underneath the product showing the number of the strictly limited 600 edition. With her take on the classic, Marcelis created a calm and beautiful piece to live with or to collect.

““I’ve always been fascinated by lava lamps and their magical dance. With this version I wanted to strip the housing of as much identity as possible by turning it into a blank white canvas – no logo, no gloss finish to reflect its surroundings – just a vessel to house the magic within. All white when turned off and only once turned on does colour appear in the object. What has always captivated me about lava lamps is the materiality of the liquid – it’s a secret formula and everyone is always trying to understand what is going on in there. I wanted to enhance that idea of mystery by etching the bottle so that the lava liquid becomes veiled behind a hase. The movement is made more subtle and the light is diffused as a pleasant atmospheric light.” Sabine Marcelis

“ We were all thrilled when we learned that Sabine loves our lamps, and it has been such a pleasure to see her vision come to life in our iconic Astro lava lamp. Her design exudes purity and calm, and I am keeping number one.” Cressida Granger, Mathmos.

Founded in 1963 by Edward Craven Walker, Mathmos has been led by Cressida Granger since 1989. From its manufacturing base in Dorset, Mathmos has produced and sold millions of its iconic lava lamps globally, gaining a host of awards and cult following along the way. The Astro was the first lava lamp launched in 1963 and designed by Edward Craven Walker, and it has been in continuous British production since its launch. The Mathmos Astro lava lamp is part of several museum collections and is widely recognised as a pop design classic.

Now, to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Mathmos has chosen five collaborators to create bespoke limited edition Astro lava lamps, announcing a limited edition partnership weekly throughout October.

Mathmos chose creative collaborators who they felt would each bring something new to the classic Astro. Collaborators were selected from the worlds of design, music, and photography. Mathmos is proudly British and European, so collaborators from the UK and continental Europe were chosen.

Each collaboration is strictly limited to 600 pieces, and each piece is numbered. Made by hand in Britain, each collaboration will drop weekly every Thursday from 28th September. Each lamp will be £130 / 150EU, including delivery, and available exclusively from Mathmos websites. Mathmos lava lamps are widely collected and make fantastic gifts, so move swiftly to secure these unique pieces.

Notes to editors:

Press information
For further press information, press loans and high-res images please contact:

The Design Collective
Amy Dollamore | amy@thedesigncollective.co.uk | 07855 527 217
Susanna Joicey-Cecil | susanna@thedesigncollective.co.uk | 07919 221 124

ABOUT SABINE MARCELIS
Studio Sabine Marcelis is a design studio led by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis. The studio is known for its focus on creating functional installations, furniture, and objects. Sabine Marcelis employs a unique approach by experimenting with materials, light, and color to achieve her distinct aesthetic. The studio collaborates with various brands, galleries, and cultural institutions, producing a range of work from conceptual pieces to custom designs. Sabine Marcelis’ exploration of the relationship between form and function continues to contribute to contemporary design conversations.

ABOUT MATHMOS
Mathmos was established in 1963 by the inventor of lava lamps Edward Craven Walker. Mathmos have been manufacturing their premium range of lava lamps in Britain ever since.

Mathmos ship their lava lamps fresh from their factory in Poole, Dorset directly to customers all over Europe from their 10 European websites, see www.mathmos.com