Strand PATT 23, E27 Edison, 13a

The Strand Patt 23 E27 Edison 13a was designed by aircraft designer Morgan McLeod. Frederick Bentham was doing the technical specification. The fixture was introduced in 1953 and became the the first mass-produced spotlight. Unlike its predecessors, which were primarily constructed from sheet metal, the Pattern 23’s body was manufactured from aluminium, using high pressure die-casting.

The Strands ‘Baby Spot’, the Pattern 23, and its companion the Pattern 123 fresnel, revolutionised stage lighting. They both used optics and reflector technology which provided over twice the light output of any similar wattage spot of the day.  The Pattern 23 was the ETC Source Four of its day !

Initially produced in batches of 5000, production ran until 1983. It was then replaced by the Strand Minim23.

Check the Patt 2013 and the Portman Mantis for more retro inspiration.