Antique Lighting through the ages
by Karen Wallis-Smith of Fritz Fryer Antique Lighting
The majority of antique lighting we come across at Fritz Fryer dates from the Edwardian era. The history of antique lighting begins with centuries of fire light, rushlights (a rather smelly type of candle made from rushes dipped in domestic fat) and candles. The romance of the Georgian chandelier was resticted to a tiny minority, so it is not until the industrialisation of the Victorian era that domestic lighting really starts to feature and it took the invention of electricity and the growing middle class of the late Victorian and Edwardian era for us to see the plethora of lighting designs, many of which form the basis of modern lighting design today.
It was the Dutch who lead the way in antique lighting design
with the ‘S’-scroll arm, solid brass chandeliers. Still a popular design, it was introduced into churches as early as the 12th century, but made its way into the houses of the very wealthy in C14th. The Renaissance brought an abundance of new designs in candle chandeliers and wall sconces, many of which have been remodelled throughout history. Silver and pewter became the favourite materials, as with two early design classics; the Haddon Hall chandelier (c1660) and the Knowle House chandelier dating from c1670. (See image right)
Georgian Lighting
During the Classical Age lighting design blossomed. Wood was a popular choice of material, as popular designs in furniture could be replicated in the lighting. Candlesticks and candelabra were still widely used (thanks to the Romans!). And, let’s not forget, the most luxurious light fitting of all, the crystal chandelier. The crystal chandelier was introduced in the Georgian era. Both glass and candles were extremely expensive and very highly taxed, making a crystal chandelier the ultimate status symbol.
Victorian and Edwardian Lighting
The arrival of the first street gas lighting in Pall Mall in 1807 brought huge excitement to the Capital. The introduction of a domestic gas supply made controllable lighting available for the first time. The most innovative of Victorian fittings was the rise-and-fall gasolier, this could be raised closer to the ceiling when not in use, and lowered when light was required in the main part of the room. With some notable exceptions, such as Cragside in Northumberland, most households didn’t have electric lighting installed until Edwardian times. Rise and fall fittings still proved a highly practical solution when electricity started to replace gas and their elegant design makes them hugely popular today. The flexibility of electric lighting and the industrial revolution sparked an explosion of design and manufacture on an unprecedented scale and made light fittings available to all. The majority of antique lighting we source today dates from the prolific Edwardian era. The gas industry fought hard with propaganda about the gimmickry and danger of electricity and the electric light, but we all know who won that particular war!
Antique Lighting Restoration - Recycling!
Salvaged light fittings offer a unique feature to a room, but any conversion or restoration work is best carried out by an experienced restorer and should meet current electrical standards. For more antique lighting restoration tips look here.