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Home > History |
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SINCE 1951
The founder of our company, Mr. Charles ("Chuck") Feldman, started Universal in 1949 in the converted basement of his parents' home. At first he imported porcelain and 'Capodimonte' vases, giftware and figurines from Italy. Before long he began to import the parts needed to convert some of these items into lamps. In those years, the name of a company often was used to describe all of its activities, so it only made sense that in 1951 when it came time to incorporate, that the name of the company became: "Universal China, Lamp and Glass Co. Limited" which is to this date our full legal name. Upon designing and creating his first lamp, Chuck showed it to a few friends. A close family friend admired the lamp so much that the product became known as 'The Fay Randall Series.' This original lamp, together with its hand made shade, is still in use 50+ years later! It didn't take long for Chuck to outgrow the space in his parents home and before long he moved to larger premises at 343 Adelaide Street West. There the product line expanded to include a wide range of table and floor lamps as well as coffee tables. Working from his showroom and wholesale trade shows, the business grew over the years. Then in 1962 the company moved once again to 647 King Street West where it built a strong reputation and loyal customer following. The product line expanded into a range of light fixtures. Once again, it didn't take long for the company to outgrow its space and so in 1971 Chuck took the biggest step of his working years and moved to a huge new facility on Cartwright Avenue in North York. (Interestingly, had it not been for the strong encouragement and support of his bank manager, he would not have made this move.) There Chuck set up what became known as one of the premier lighting showrooms in Canada. The product line expanded to include a comprehensive selection of lighting and home decor products for use in just about every room of a residence and for every budget. The company continues to operate out of that premises, together with the adjacent property, and Chuck continues to assume an active role in the daily management of the company. And while the company has expanded its product offering, moved into numerous new commercial markets for specific lighting products, and developed an expertise in residential and commercial lighting design, it remains committed to the core principal of serving our customers in a friendly and caring manner, just as Chuck did the first time he opened his doors!
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121 Cartwright Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M6A 1V
Tel: 416-787-8900
800-465-LAMP (5267)
E mail orders@greatlighting.com
