Dale Tiffany Lamps

There is no real mystery behind the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that help define Dale Tiffany lamps and lighting fixtures—at least not once you know how they are made.  But, in order to understand the complex and time consuming process involved in making any Dale Tiffany lamp, wall sconce, or light fixture, you have to know the history of Tiffany lighting which dates back more than a century.

Towards the end of the 19^th century, electric table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and other lights were just starting to become popular thanks to the spreading use of electricity.  However, the impersonal nature of the Industrial Revolution had spread through architecture and every other facet of life creating a true need for the elegance, beauty, and color of art glass—and indeed for Louis Comfort Tiffany himself.  Pioneering the Copper Foil production method and using the highest quality art glass, Louis created his infamous Tiffany lamps.

Inspired by Nature and a longing to once again make the home inviting and beautiful, Tiffany began making his lamps in 1895 and literally helped pioneer the entire Art Deco movement in architecture and design.  Ultimately, his overwhelming success and the appearance of Tiffany table lamps, chandeliers, and other fine fixtures in homes all around the world—were the undoing of Louis.  In 1933, Louis was forced to declare bankruptcy while he and his remarkable lamps faded into obscurity.

Capitalizing on a revived interest in Tiffany lighting fixtures, Dale Tiffany began making reproductions and originally designed lamps and other lights using the same exact methods used by Louis Tiffany to craft his masterpieces.  Every Dale Tiffany table lamp and fixture begins with a special dense cardboard template in the shape and design of the shade. 

Next, the future Dale Tiffany lampshade template is placed upon the glass itself that will be used when crafting the fixture.  Using precision tools, the glass is then cut and the edges are smoothed so that the individual pieces will fit together precisely.  Just as was done when making the original fixtures, every piece of glass to be used when making a Dale Tiffany table lampshade is affixed with adhesive and a piece of copper foil. 

The joints on the lampshade are then soldered together to create the pattern.  No piece of copper foil on any Dale Tiffany lighting fixture can be left exposed and is instead covered with solder.  This time consuming process is then completed when a chemical patina is applied over the solder to help give each Dale Tiffany table lamp, chandelier, and light fixture that classic aged look. 

By adhering to the same commitment to quality, materials, and techniques used by Louis when creating his legendary table lamps and lighting fixtures, Dale Tiffany continues the tradition today and allows the beauty and wonder of art glass to be enjoyed by one and all at affordable prices.  Thanks to the Copper Foil Production Method and the commitment of Dale Tiffany to create the highest quality stained glass lamps and light fixtures, every lamp is destined to become a treasured heirloom—just like the original!