History Click images to view more: Born in Frankfurt, Germany, the founder of Mayfield Adi Felder (1914-2001) moved to England as a young man in search of work. As WWII neared, Germans residing in the UK were classified 'Enemy Aliens' & deported. In 1939, Mr Felder, stripped of all possessions, was shipped off aboard the HMS Dunera as a POW to an internment camp in Australia. As the war came to an end, Mr Felder and the 'Dunera boys' were given their freedom. Moving to Melbourne upon release, in 1945 Mr Felder formed Mayfield Lamps by enlisting his business partner, Mr Mayer, along with the local green grocer, to construct a humble factory shell in the Glenferrie markets. Using Mr Mayer's contacts, samples were shown to retail outlets around Melbourne, with names such as Vealls, Danks, Guests and Sun Electric among the first to place orders. Interestingly, Guests is still a customer today. Through the 1950's, Mr Felder began making twice yearly trips to country Victoria, NSW and QLD, where company representative's were established. Mr Felder's hard work and personal approach to customers saw the business quickly take off, expanding in 1960 into a substantial factory in Hawthorn, Melbourne. With Mayfield Lamps moving from strength to strength, Mr Felder's eldest son Ron Felder, joined him in 1964 starting in the cutting room floor and lamp assembly areas, before moving into Sales and travelling Victoria selling lamps for Mayfield. Sadly in 1966 Mr Mayer died. Mr Felder's youngest son, John Felder joined Ron in the business in 1973, and in 1980, Mr Felder retired from active management of the business, leaving Ron to take care of Sales & Management duties and John overseeing the Operations side of the business. Ron & John quickly undertook their own expansions plans by establishing Mayfield Lamps as a supplier to the major national department stores across Australia as well as to the Hotel & hospitality markets. Mr Felder continued part time, including his twice yearly trips to Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane up until 1995. At great loss to the family, Adi Felder passed away in June 2001 at the age of 87. Having been co-opted into working in the shade department by her Mayfield employed mother, a young Fiona Millar's talents were spotted early and quickly brought into the office. After an incredible 18 years of hard work, again starting out on the factory floor and moving upwards, not only saw Fiona become a proxy member of the family, but she was also rewarded with the role of General Manager in 2004. Also in 2004, John Felder announced his retirement after 30+ years of dedicated service to Mayfield, to pursue his burgeoning interests in historic motor racing and spend more time with his grandchildren. Not long afterwards, Ron's son, Mark, as the 3rd generation of the Felder family to join Mayfield, began the cycle once again, by starting in the cutting room floor and assembly areas, before moving into Sales and Marketing roles. In July 2007, Ron Felder quietly announced his retirement, as Fiona Millar becomes a partner in the business along with Mark. Today, Mayfield Lamps remain proudly as one of the last Australian manufacturers in the lighting industry and continue to provide an inspired range of designs of table lamps, floor lamps and light fittings to lighting, gift, homeware and furniture retailers as well as International Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Aged Care facilities and Motels across Australasia.