Antique Lighting

Technically, an antique light is any light fitting that is over 100 years old. Any younger than this and they are not genuine antiques. At Fritz Fryer, we use the term vintage for fittings that are older, but not technically antiques. Antique lighting is often considered a bit of a misnomer, as not much remains prior to the gas lighting of the Victorian era with, of course, the very notable exception of some spectacular Georgian crystal chandeliers.

The truth of early domestic lighting is that there wasn’t much for many centuries. From prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, the central hearth was the hub of family life in both humble homes and grand halls. The warmth and light given off was relied upon for centuries to work and socialise by, and an open fire still holds emotional appeal today. The smoke, however, was less appealing.

Early lamps were made by filling a stone or shell with animal fat or fish oil, and immersing a fibrous wick that could be lit. From this, the Romans developed hand lamps which, in turn, gave rise to the candle. Yet, preceding the candle was the most common form of early domestic lighting, which remained popular for centuries; the rush light.

Rush lights were made by dipping the rush into animal fat, normally bacon or mutton grease, and clamping it onto an iron holder to be burnt. Introduction of the 1709 tallow candle tax led to the introduction of the familiar expression, ‘Burning the candle at both ends’. Contrary to our use of the phrase today, this to the extravagant practice of lighting both ends of the rush light to create extra light which, of course, made the rush light burn twice as fast.

The craft of making tallow candles began in England in the 13th Century, and tallow chandlers were granted a Royal Charter by Edward IV in 1462.  A good quality tallow candle was made from sheep’s and cow’s tallow, whereas the cheaper pig fat candles used by the poor smelt foul and gave off thick black smoke.