Here we will attempt to give you a very brief history of vintage or antique lighting, in this country, as we understand it. It should be known that depending on which research articles or books you read, there is a difference in the dates and the names of the lighting period. We are not experts in the field; we only offer this brief interpretation. First a little about the Federal Period 1700-1820. This style combines lighting and the total architecture of the time. This would include public buildings along with private homes and farms or plantations. The lighting fixtures from the early part of this period were strictly candle fixtures. Some were made of wood, brass, silver, iron, tin, or copper. Later in this period, about 1800 oil and whale oil lamps became very popular. These lights were all made by hand and led us into what we now call the “Colonial Style”. Which is very well known today for the “S” curved arms and large ball designed center. The next period or periods of lighting are Rococo Revival, Gothic Revival, and the Second Empire Period, 1840 to 1880. Lights from the time period were gas and oil. All were very ornate: clusters, columns, fruits, birds, and crystal drops to name a few of the designs used. It seemed the move lavish the better. In 1875-1885 the Eastlake/ Italianate period took over. The Eastlake part of this period was very simple and very flat. The gas lights and the wall sconce were flat with very little if any curves. The Italianate period included urns, soldiers, knights, maidens in togas, hunters and all kinds of animals. The lights were made of iron, “pot metal” brass, red brass, bronze, marble, and granite along with other materials. These lights were large, heavy, and had great detail. The lighting method was, oil, kerosene, or gas. Next is the Eastlake/Victorian, 1875-1900. In this period the look stayed the same as in the period before. The main change in this period was a little simpler design and much lighter construction of the lights. The fuels used were kerosene, oil, gas, and some combination gas and electric. The main metal used to build the lights was brass, and a few were made with iron. From 1900 on it get very gray as to the years and types or names of the lighting period. It all depends on which books you read or who you listen too. One thing is for sure, all types and styles were used and combined and the main metal was brass and brass plated parts. Here is a list of period names and lighting styles. 1900-1930 Georgian Revival: Can be credited with “Art Glass” being used in lighting by such well known names as Quezel, Steuben, Tiffany, Handel, and Pairpoint made wonderful glass for the lights of this time period. 1905-1935 Arts and Crafts, Mission, or Craftsman credited to Frank Lloyd Wright. This period is known for straight lines forming squares and rectangles. The lights were made for gas/electric and electric use and made mostly of brass some iron. Square tubing and bases along with hammered iron are telltale signs of this time. 1910-1940 Tudor Period: This period is known for the use of iron. Cast iron and wrought iron were used in lighting along with crystal accents and used mostly in homes in the suburbs. 1920-1930 The Art Deco Period: This period of lighting mixed lighting with a mix of modern decorative art styles. The shape and design of each light was up to person designing the light and his or her interpretation of the art the light was to be designed after. This is a very simple and very condensed history of lighting. As stated before this is only one person’s interpitation, there are many other ideas as to the grouping of periods and dates. This is meant only as a general guide or insight into lighting from years gone by. |
Last updated 9/16/10 |