About Impex Lighting

In 1870, in Bohemia, Adolph Schonbek started his own glassworks soon manufacturing complete glass chandeliers. His grandsons, Arnold Schonbek and Henry Blake joined the family business and upon the death of Adolph took over the running of the business.

The control and ownership of the factories was first lost to the Nazis and then to the Communists. In a secret escape from a tumultuous Europe, Arnold re-established his company in Montreal and eventually moved to America, and Henry moved to London and re-established his company Impex in 1946.

In 1967, Henry's son Michael joined the business, and in 1998 Impex acquired Starlite Chandeliers Ltd.

A management buy-in followed in April 2006. Michael Blake became Chairman, Steve Boyes Managing Director, and Warren Dagul Sales Director.

In September 2006 Impex bought Peter Martin Lamps, and then in April 2007 acquired Smithbrook Lighting Ltd.