The Historical Beauty of Victorian
Lamps
People
often speak of the Victorian era, but few really
understand the meaning of this time period and its influence on the
history of
our world and indeed in many of the common objects we use each and
every day like
the table lamp. At
a time when the
Industrial Revolution was bringing about revolutionary changes such as
electricity and indoor plumbing, the world was also introduced to the
elegance,
the splendor, and the uncompromising beauty of Victorian lamps and
other light
fixtures.
Much
like Louis Tiffany when creating his ornate lamps and
light fixtures, designers in the Victorian tradition made use of
electricity
itself to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of lighting
fixtures. Electricity
created the
illumination while the Victorian table lamps were made with ornate and
colorful
shades that diffused that light so that the space was bathed in a
soothing
ambiance.
Named
after the longest reigning British ruler of the time,
Queen Victoria, traditional homes of the Victorian Style became known
for their
organized and ornate nature. It
was
considered to be keeping in poor taste for anyone not to keep their
home in
pristine order and filled with keepsakes and furnishings that reflected
the
tastes and ambitions of the owner. Victorian
table lamps, therefore, were traditionally created to reflect
a refinement of character aesthetically while functionally illuminating
the
space.
There
really is no one single design influence that helped
shape the Victorian Era nor any of the lighting fixtures created in
this ornate
style. Recognized
influences that
helped imbue the Victorian
lamps and fixtures with so much style and regal
sophistication include: Tudor,
Romantic
Elizabethan, and the Gothic design tradition. Collectively,
these varying sources of inspiration helped create some of
the most lavish and sophisticated lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, and
other
light fixtures ever created.
Light
fixtures crafted in the Victorian Style will tend to
feature liberal use of curves and smooth, flowing lines. Spiraling floral and vine
patterns are
frequent motifs found on shades and in many cases the bases themselves. Sometimes, a Victorian
light fixture will
have intricate design contrasted with the use of a delicate an ornate
textile
like silk on the lampshade. Ornate
glass featuring geometric design is another common feature found on
Victorian
styled lamps and fixtures. Collectively,
these ornate and refined elements combine to create some of the most
exquisitely
crafted and designed light fixtures ever created.
Aside
from the obvious, Victorian
lamps and light fixtures
also tend to really enhance and bring out the character in Traditional
and
European interior design schemes.