#astro lamp

The Astro model has known many iterations since its 1963 introduction, and a modern Astro model is still sold today by Mathmos. However, for the purposes of cataloguing and reviewing, I will consider each generation of the Astro as a separate model, while acknowledging that the differences between generations may be so specific as to appear nonexistent (and I’m not good enough at recognizing them myself to be sure which generation I’m looking at!).

The Astro MK1 is the platonic ideal of the lava lamp; it’s probably more or less what you picture when you think of the words “lava lamp”, and I expect it always will be.

It features the traditional hourglass-shaped base, though in these early models the base is actually made up of two parts: two copper-colored cones which slide into one another, with the top cone containing the light bulb, and the power cable under it running through the bottom cone (see patent diagram below). In later lava lamps, the base would become a single piece.

The Astro is topped by a matching copper cap, which is notably shorter than what is seen in later lava lamp models. As with other lava lamps, the cap serves to hide the unsightly closure at the top of the glass globe.

Though the original Astro Lamp only offered a copper base/cap, it did come in a variety of wax and fluid colors.

A number of early Astro Lamps and other models of the same era can be found second-hand, usually selling for $150 to $300. The modern Astro Lamp, sold by Mathmos, retails for $130.

It was pretty difficult to figure out how much the Astro Lamp originally cost - I consulted ads and catalogs in English, French and Japanese as well as searched lava lamp websites and forums and found no mention of its price anywhere. I did find early on a catalog that listed under the Astro "£7-19-6", but was dumbfounded: what did the different numbers mean? Was it suggested price, highest retail price and lowest? Was it different international prices? It took me a while to figure out that the answer was much simpler (UK readers probably would've seen it immediately): before 1971, British prices were written in pounds, shillings and pence. The original Astro Lamp therefore sold for 7 pounds, 19 shillings and 6 pence, or £7.98 in decimal.

MY REVIEW:

How to review the Astro? It’s the first of its kind (excepting Donald Dunnet’s prototypes), so it would seem unfair to compare it to later lamps. At the same time, the Astro is so ubiquitous that it eclipses all competition in the collective imagination of the lava lamp. From Mathmos and Lava Lite’s popular models to the cheap, off-brand lava lamps you may find online or sold in supermarkets, the shape of the Astro remains ever-present – the details of size, make, proportions and colors may change, but the soul of the original Astro lives on in them nonetheless. I may have my opinions on it – but ultimately, in the minds of generations, the Astro will always be a ten out of ten.

SILHOUETTE: 10/10

As a result of the above, I find it impossible to give the Astro less than a perfect score on its silhouette. In another world, another timeline, where the Astro is of a different shape, so too would the entire world of lava lamps be changed in its image. It’s not my favorite silhouette – I’m not sure it’s even in my top three – but it is the silhouette.

DETAILS: 8/10

Here’s where I find some room for nitpicking. There’s a reason modern reimaginings of the Astro, official or off-brand, aren’t identical to the original. The two-part base is a major minus: the two separate cones make for an impractical and less portable object. I also find the shorter, stout cap less pleasant to the eye than its taller successors. Still, there’s little to pick apart here: the Astro is a simple, sleek, effective design. Though it is iconic to the 60s and 70s, I find its silhouette to be timeless.

COLORWAYS: 9/10

Modern lava lamp models come with such a variety of colorways that, in comparison, the Astro’s single base/cap color, its five fluid colors, and four wax colors seem limited. Still, these options are enough to create a number of pleasant colorways. Advertisement for the Astro describes it as “perfect anywhere” and “designed to suit any mood, any decor”. I’m tempted to agree: though I appreciate the breadth of color choices now available, the Astro’s offerings are quite satisfying. It helps that most of my favorite colors are included.

POWER: 10/10

What more can I say on the topic of the Astro’s longevity and icon status? This isn’t just a powerful lava lamp, it’s the powerful lava lamp. It only remains at a ten out of ten because I’m opposed to grading higher than the scale.

MY FINAL LAVA SCORE: 9.25/10