The Beauty of Lighting

Photo Credit: Victoria and Albert Museum

The beauty of light. Light has been celebrated from the beginning of time, from the early fire pits of primitive man; to the oil pots that provided portable light; to the candles and oil lamps that provided light for dining and reading in more recent centuries. But how about the design and artistry of the lamp that emits the light. Do we take lamps for granted?

The early sources of light gave way to Thomas Edison’s electrical devices that were able to shine light from the ceiling, desk top, and wall. You should not look at light as utilitarian or the lamp that holds the light bulb as a functional necessity. I believe light helps set a mood while being utilitarian. A lamp, chandelier or wall sconce is more than just a light bulb holder. Indeed, each can be as artful as a painting.

When the power goes out in a storm, we realize how much we use, need and love light. However, we mostly take light for granted and completely overlook the item that holds the light bulb. Just by walking into a room, I can tell if a person takes a utilitarian approach to lighting. However, reaching back in time to see the care that went into creating a lamp can be glorious.

A Little History

The Romans used elaborate torcheres and lantern-style oil lamps, decorated with the heads of rams as well as cloven-hoof feet to support the lamp. These intricate designs were a testament to how much the Romans cherished light. During the 18th century, porcelain, bronze and crystal were used to create bases for candelabras. Nothing was showier than the Court of France, a lavish spectacle that caused heads to turn and a kingdom to revolt. The fancier the decorations were, the more affluent the owner.

The Victorians had gas lamps with hand-blown glass shades made by prestigious companies such as Tiffany lining hallways and entranceways. They also had a great penchant for bronze figural lamps placed on knoll posts to illuminate stairways.

At first, Edison’s invention provided a simple structure so that the light bulb was not upstaged. Soon after, the simple lamp was turned into gorgeous leaded lamps, artful sconces and elegant chandeliers.

Looking back at several centuries of lighting design, I can’t help but be inspired. The love and artisanship that went into lamps of yesteryear cannot be denied. Craftsman from the past used gorgeous cast bronze, prized porcelain, hand-blown glass, cut crystal and other well-crafted materials.

Take a New Approach

So what has happened? Look around. Poorly made lamps seem to be everywhere. Although life is more casual today, your lamp does not need to be like a cheap suit. Don’t take lamps for granted. Express your personality with lamps. Pass on the cheap lamp and seek out something special. Companies like Chapman, Fredrick Cooper, Paul Hanson and George Bullio are designers of unique styles with various price points. These companies drew on the past but interpreted the design for the 21st century. Although some of these manufacturers are no longer in business, you can still find vintage lamps at antique shops, consignment stores and house sales.

There are other ways to create great lighting. Pick your favorite object - from a vase to a gear. Working with people like Carol Tuck from The Lamp Shop, you can have these objects converted into a lamp, typically for $80.

Get excited and have appreciation for something more than the ordinary. Look at objects with a curator’s eye. Pass on the mass-produced and seek out quality or custom made. These lamps may not be expensive and heavily adorned, but they will be artful and more than utilitarian.