If you were a child of the 60s or 70s, chances are you are familiar with the iconic lava lamp. The mesmerizing blobs of wax floating around in a liquid-filled glass lamp have been a staple of dorm rooms, living rooms, and even psychedelic-themed parties for decades.
The Birth of the Lava Lamp
The lava lamp, also known as the astro lamp, was invented by British accountant Edward Craven Walker in 1963. After seeing a liquid-filled egg timer in a pub, Walker was inspired to create a similar product that could be used as a decorative lamp.
At the time, there was a huge demand for unique and modern home decor items, and Walker’s invention quickly gained popularity. The first lava lamps were produced under the brand name of “Astro Lamps” by a company called Crestworth. The lamps consisted of a glass vessel filled with a clear or colored liquid, and wax blobs that floated around when the lamp was turned on and heated.
The Science Behind the Lava Lamp
So, how do lava lamps work? The secret lies in the properties of the wax and the liquid that fill the lamp.
The wax used in lava lamps is usually a combination of paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, which has a higher melting point than paraffin wax. The liquid used in the lamp is a combination of water and various chemicals, including antifreeze or surfactants, which make the wax blobs move in a mesmerizing manner.
When the lamp is turned on, the bulb heats the wax and causes it to melt and rise to the top of the lamp. As it reaches the top, it cools and solidifies, causing it to sink back down to the bottom. This cycle repeats, creating an ever-changing display of blobs that constantly shift and swirl around the lamp.
The Popularity of Lava Lamp Prints
As the popularity of lava lamps grew, so did the demand for products featuring their iconic design. Lava lamp prints began appearing on a variety of items, including clothing, bedding, and posters. The hypnotic and groovy nature of the lava lamp made it particularly popular among the counterculture movement of the 60s and 70s.
In recent years, lava lamp prints have experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the fashion industry. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, and Marc Jacobs have all incorporated lava lamp prints into their collections, giving the retro design a modern twist.
In Conclusion
The lava lamp may be over half a century old, but its groovy and hypnotic design still captivates people today. From its invention by Edward Craven Walker to its recent resurgence in fashion, the lava lamp has left an indelible mark on popular culture that will continue to inspire and mesmerize for years to come.