history of lavalamp

Lava lamps were all the rage in the psychedelic '60s and '70s. Many of today's motion lamps were inspired by the lava lamps of the past. Interesting tidbits such as who first thought of the idea and how the inventor created it bubble to the surface when looking into its history.
History
Edward Craven Walker invented the lava lamp in England in 1963. Initially named the Astro Lamp, the device combined a glass tube filled with "colored globs of oozing wax suspended in water" (as well as some other ingredients) and a heated base. His inspiration occurred in a pub in 1948, when he noticed a strange-looking item resting on the counter behind the bar. According to different sources, this item was either an egg timer of sorts or an early motion lamp, but in any case, it took Walker 15 years from the time he got his inspiration until the invention was perfected.
Significance
Adolph Wertheimer and Hy Spector, two Chicago entrepreneurs, discovered Walker's invention at a German trade show. They formed the U.S. company, Lava Manufacturing Corp., in 1965 and obtained the U.S. patent rights to the invention. Their product obtained huge success in the United States under the name Lava Lite, which resulted in greater sales for Walker's company in Europe as well.
Popularity
The motion light craze swept America through the 1970s but dropped off during the 1980s. The early 1990s brought renewed interest in the device as 1960s nostalgia became a trend, and popularity of the item has continued through the present day. The materials used in creating the lamps are still considered top secret, but those interested can find instructions for making a similar lamp on many Internet websites. Those interested in chemistry find the challenge of combining just the right ingredients in just the right way exciting.
Lava Lamps Today
Walker sold the Astro Light to Mathmos, a company that currently handles all sales outside of the United States. Lava Manufacturing Corp. changed its name to Lava World International, which suuplies most of the motion lights modeled after the lava lamp and offered in U.S. stores. Sales for both companies have continued to do well since public interest in lava lamp products resumed in the '90s.
Death of Inventor
Walker died in August 2000 of cancer. He was 82 years old, with almost 40 of years spent seeing his invention hold onto the public's attention.