Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2010/January 2011 | Page 80

antiques Philip Hoare - F.T.V.I Island Life - December 2010 Antiques and Collectables A desire for light I recently acquired, on behalf of an overseas client, a fine, early 19th Century Tent and Bag Chandelier (see photograph). Exceptional Period Chandeliers in original condition are becoming more and more troublesome to locate; many were cannibalised and converted in the late 19th/Early 20th Century, they were also reduced in size. This pristine ‘Tent & Bag’ had been languishing in a store for over forty years! And apart from the necessary cleaning it was in picture perfect condition and will now grace the entrance hall of a Belgravia Town House. I have always had a huge interest in period lighting - it sparkles and is emblematic of fine quality and extravagant style. 18th Century lighting, in all forms, was an expression of status among the higher classes, just as other precious objects; furniture, textiles, paintings and objects d’art were selected carefully to characterize the style, wealth and superior taste of the individual. Until the 18th Century, there had been no significant advances in interior lighting since the Roman era. For the majority of the population the only light, apart from some evil smelling oil lamps, was from the glow of the hearth. In grander, more affluent households beeswax candles could be afforded. By sheer numbers of candles, illumination was increased, but the only real benefit was the improved odour. Quotation from Sir Joseph Swan 1828-1914 the inventor of the electric lamp: ‘The days of my youth extend backwards to the dark ages, for I was born when the rush light, the tallow dip or the solitary blaze of the hearth were the common means of indoor lighting. In the chambers of the great, the wax candle, or exceptionally a multiplicity of them relieved the gloom on state occasions; but as a rule, the common people, wanting the inducement of indoor brightness such as we enjoy, went to bed after sunset’ At the top end of the social ladder lighting was used extravagantly! For instance, at a ball in Burlington house in 1814, where the Prince Regent was the guest of honour, nearly thirteen hundred pounds was spent on lighting alone. That is the equivalent of two hundred thousand pounds today; this money was spent on candles and the hire of additional candle light chandeliers! Until the end of the first quarter of the 19th Century, when less expensive light fittings had begun to be produced for the masses, light fittings were excessively costly and only affordable by the very rich; these expensive, but beautiful, works of art were produced in glass silver and gilded bronze. Due mainly to their great cost, most were later adapted and converted for gas and latterly electricity. So many, fortunately, have survived. It wasn’t until after the advent of mass production in 1830 that affordable lighting was produced for the masses. Now, of course, we take light fittings and electricity for granted and many of the most fun, exciting and enjoyable times are spent with other people under the buzz of electric light, after the sun has dipped over the horizon. For further advice on acquisition, valuation or restoration of light fittings, or indeed antiques in general, contact Philip Hoare at [email protected]. Mob: [phone] Who knows pulling that rusty looking light-fitting from the garage and having it valued might be the brightest idea you’ve ever had! Philip Hoare is a Fellow of the Trade Valuers Institute - Mob: [phone] Email: [email protected] - Tel: [phone] Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com