Lava Lamp History

The Lava Lamp is a popular and iconic decorative item that has been around since the 1960s. It is known for its mesmerizing effect with its swirling blobs of wax and colorful liquid. But, who invented the Lava Lamp? In this blog, we will explore the history of the Lava Lamp and their inventor.

The Lava Lamp was invented by an Englishman named Edward Craven-Walker in 1963. Craven-Walker was a former soldier and a traveling salesman who had an interest in designing and inventing. While on a business trip in a pub, he saw an odd-looking egg timer made of a glass jar filled with colored liquid and a melted wax that moved up and down in response to changes in temperature. He was fascinated by the object and saw the potential for a new type of lamp.

Craven-Walker began experimenting with different types of liquids and waxes to create his own version of the egg timer. He developed a lamp that used a mixture of paraffin wax and water, which was heated by an electric bulb. As the wax melted, it rose to the top of the lamp, creating the signature "lava" effect.

Craven-Walker patented his invention in 1965 under the name "Astro Lamp." He then founded a company called Crestworth Ltd. to manufacture and sell the lamps. The company later changed its name to Mathmos, which is still in operation today and is known for producing high-quality lava lamps.

The Astro Lamp became an instant hit and quickly gained popularity among young people in the 1960s and 1970s. It was seen as a symbol of the counterculture movement and the psychedelic era. The lamp was featured in popular culture, such as in the Austin Powers movies and on the TV show "That 70s Show." The Astro Lamp has remained popular ever since.

The Lava Lamp is a true icon of 1960s and 1970s pop culture, and its inventor, Edward Craven-Walker, will always be remembered for his imaginative and innovative invention.