About us

With well over a century of experience, Wilkes Iris is widely regarded as the leading iris manufacturer, designer and supplier. Wilkes Iris provides an unparalleled range of irises for use in the theatrical lighting, scientific and fibre optic sectors of industry.

The Wilkes Iris story

Based in Bexhill-on-sea Wilkes Iris is a fourth generation family business. Its beginnings date back to 1884 when the toolmaker James Wilkes was commissioned to design and manufacture a simple Iris that would be suitable for use in microscopes. He founded Wilkes Iris in a workshop basement in North London.

Built up by word of mouth, the business and product range grew as Wilkes and his two employees attracted custom from the UK scientific industry.

During this difficult time of expansion no job was considered too difficult. They once even supplemented their core business by making cigarette lighters!

The 1960's were a a time of rapid growth for the company. Wilkes Iris was asked to produce a lighting iris for a Strand theatrical lantern. The high temperatures under which the iris would be required to function provided a unique challenge. Following a painstaking development process the High Temperature range of irises was born. To this day the high temperature range has proven itself as the reliable, durable, and cost effective solution for the film, broadcast and theatrical lighting industry.

Our long history has allowed the evolution of a remarkable product range. With our commitment to new design, finding new applications for our products while maintaining a high level of service to our customers - we are in a position to build on the past and look to the future with confidence.