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 Related Lighting Books
History
Tiffany style lamps evolved in the 1890s with the introduction of electric lighting. Clear glass had long been employed to protect the flickering flames of oil and gas lamps, however, electric lights produce a much stronger, harder, not so flattering and romantic light. Tiffany came at the right moment to cast a magic glow over the new harsh modern light that was so efficient yet so unromantic.
Prior to this time, Tiffany was experimenting with the production of all kinds of coloured glass. Much of which was too colourful for the tradition in favour at the time for stained glass windows, consequently large stores of it accumulated. Not being a wasteful person, Tiffany, using excess glass from the manufacture of his windows and the failed experimental stores of bright colourful glass made a commercial decision to produce tiffany lamps. These used smaller glass pieces and the same technique of leading as the windows. They were an instant success and consequently, over 100 years later, the popularity of tiffany table lamps, tiffany floor lamps, tiffany ceiling lamps and tiffany wall lamps is still with us, for they create interiors full of warmth and diffused light. All Tiffany’s favourite nature themes appear in our tiffany lamps: peacocks and dragonflies, trees in blossom, trailing flowers and brilliant blooms. The shades are worked with a strong contrast of stained glass, whilst the bases are formed like tree trunks, roots or lily pads, each combining with the other to form a stunning and satisfying whole. Many of the outstanding tiffany designs were by women. Perhaps the best known, the dragonfly tiffany lampshade was designed by Clara Driscoll in 1900, whilst the wisteria tiffany lamp with its random edged shade and multicoloured mosaic intricately leaded, was the work of Mrs. Curtis Freschel in 1902. |
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