The design of Donna Bates's parlour lamps was inspired by memories of helping out in the milking parlour on the family farm in Ballyronan, Co Derry. The lamps, in the shape of glass milk vats, are hand-blown by the same manufacturers that make jars for the dairy industry. A milk volume scale is etched on the side, and the bottom half is gently sandblasted to give the impression of fresh milk. Convincing the craftspeople to transform a milking parlour product into a lamp was, for Bates, the most exciting element. donnabatesdesign.com
Milk parlour lamps
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AGCSG3MEKYCJI643HO3OTHTJ5E.jpg?auth=ce77373f7392e21e78f4c148efa91758d3f2ec6357a3fca420691bd129c80eee&smart=true&width=1024&height=576)