Arts & Crafts Lantern
England, Circa 1920
Description:
An Arts & Crafts iron lantern designed and made in England circa 1920.
The size and construction of the lantern make the piece look equipped to hang in a castle or gatehouse for hundreds of years.
Utility was import to designers involved with the Arts & Crafts movement in Britain, 1860 – 1920. Designs of the period were usually void of extravagant or needless decoration, and the construction of an object was often exposed.
Exposed construction can be seen on this light, the helmet-esque dome with architectural arches is attached to the collar at the bottom of the light with bands of metal (similar to the hoops on a barrel) that have been riveted in place. Further, there is no deception or confusion regards how the glass shade is held in place or how the light is suspended from the ceiling. The glass sits atop two bolts and the light hangs thanks to a large ring and chain.
The materials used within the lantern are simply iron and glass. The metal has been lacquered and appears a gun metal colour whilst the exterior of the glass has been frosted which gives the shade a white appearance.
Both of these measures emphasise the natural qualities of the materials which, again, was an objective of Art & Crafts designers.
Fully re-wired with a fabric covered braided flex cord.
Specifications:
Height (from top of ring to bottom of light) 32 cmDiameter: 14 cm
Drop: Original chain is 12 cm long. However, any amount of new black chain can be supplied. The light hangs off of 100 cm of chain in the gallery.