Accession Number

2023.002

Alternate Name

lantern

Description

One circa 1885 brass and cut-glass lantern-type ceiling light fixture. The lantern is suspended from a long brass tube which extends to a symmetrical cluster of cast brass stylized anthemion and numerous turned brass finials. From the core of this cluster, four triangular brass bars interrupted by single saucer-shaped disks arch down to turned finials at each of the upper corners of the lantern. A gallery of 5 cast shells or anthemion sit above each of the four brass cornices. The lower sections of these galleries have many very fine vertical openings. The main body of the lantern is in the form of a brass-framed rectangular box, with each of the four frames filled with a beveled glass window, the central field with a frosted (etched or sandblasted) finish, the centre portions engraved in a starburst design. The bottom square frame joins a stepped brass molding, its top sections with very fine vertical openings. The floor of the lantern’s box is filled with a piece of frosted glass.

Narrative

This late Victorian lantern type ceiling fixture is ideally suited in form and function for use in Craigdarroch’s garden entrance and was acquired The Castle Society for that purpose in 2023.

History of Use

The early history of use for this light fixture is not known. It was acquired by The Castle Society from a vendor that had purchased it in the northeastern United States.

Date

circa 1885

Material

Metal, brass; Glass

Technique

Cast; Cut; Etched; Engraved; Machined; Soldered; Turned

Country of Origin

United States of America