Tiffany Style Lamps: Elegant History and Craftsmanship
Tiffany lamps have a long history as a symbol of elegance and artistic expression in home decor. These iconic lamps are exquisite pieces of art; with vibrant colors each telling a unique story through its handcrafted beauty.
The Origins of Tiffany Style Lamps
In the late 19th century, during the height of the Gilded Age, a period marked by rapid industrial growth and a flourishing arts scene in America, Louis Comfort Tiffany began to design and make what would come to be known as a Tiffany lamp. Louis was the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of the famed jewelry company Tiffany & Co., but in his own right, Louis Tiffany was a talented artist and designer who dreamed of bringing art into everyday life. Louis was captivated by the beauty of glass as he experimented with stained glass and soon he became a leading figure in the Art Nouveau movement. Art Nouveau emphasized organic forms and intricate, nature-inspired designs.
In 1893, Louis Tiffany founded his own company called Tiffany Studios, where he began designing and producing his now-famous Tiffany lamps. Tiffany lamps quickly gained popularity for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and unique craftsmanship. Each lamp was made by hand, which ensured no two pieces were exactly alike, which quickly helped them to become a sought-after luxury item for the wealthy and fashionable. Today this craftsmanship tradition continues with made by hand Tiffany style lamps.
Product Highlight: The Three Light Table Lamp from the Tiffany Rosebush Collection by Meyda Tiffany is a stunning reproduction of a Tiffany Studio classic, the rosebush. The roses on the shade are created with pink, red, and blue stained glass, using the famous Medya Tiffany copperfoil construction.
The Art of Creating a Tiffany Style Lamp
The production process of a Tiffany style lamp is a labor-intensive endeavor that requires a high level of artistry and skill. Unlike mass-produced lamps, each Tiffany lamp is crafted by hand, with careful attention to the individual details of each lamp. Here’s a look at the steps involved in creating these beautiful lamps:
- Designing the Pattern
- The process begins with the creation of a detailed design, that is often inspired by nature. Louis Comfort Tiffany was known for his love of floral motifs, and many of his lamps feature detailed designs of flowers, leaves, and vines. The motif design is carefully sketched out and then transferred onto a large sheet of paper to serve as a template.
- Selecting the Glass
- One of the distinctions of a Tiffany lamp is its vibrant, colorful glass. Tiffany Studios developed a unique type of glass called Favrile glass that is known for its rich hues and iridescent sheen. The glass is selected based on the colors and textures needed for the design. Each piece of glass is hand-cut to match the dimensions for the corresponding section of the template.
- Cutting and Assembling the Glass
- Once the glass pieces are cut, they are carefully arranged on the template to form the pattern. The edges of each glass piece are wrapped in a thin strip of copper foil, a technique known as the "copper foil method," which was also pioneered by Louis Tiffany. This technique allows for greater detail and precision in the assembly process.
- Soldering the Pieces Together
- After the glass pieces are arranged and wrapped, they are soldered together to create the lampshade. The copper foil is fused with solder, to help form a strong bond that will hold the glass pieces in place. This step requires a steady hand since even the smallest misalignment can impact the overall look of the lamp.
- Finishing Touches
- Once the lampshade is complete, it is attached to a lamp base, which is often made of bronze or another durable metal. The base is typically designed with its own intricate details to complement the theme of the lampshade and enhance the overall aesthetic of the lamp. Lastly, the lamp is polished and inspected to ensure it meets the high standards of craftsmanship expected from Tiffany style lamps.
Product Highlight: The Two Light Floor Lamp from the Tiffany Collection by Cal Lighting is made of resin and inspired by the designs of Louis Tiffany.
The Legacy of Tiffany Lamps
Today, almost 100 years since Tiffany Studios shuttered its doors, Tiffany style lamps continue to be revered for their stunning beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. The legacy of Louis Comfort Tiffany continues with Tiffany style lamps and the beautiful reproductions and modern interpretations of his work, including table lamps, flushmounts, chandeliers, and pendant lights. Today, both original Tiffany lamps and Tiffany style lighting are cherished by collectors and remain a timeless addition to any home.
Product Highlight: The Three Light Chandelier from the Tiffany Roman Collection by Meyda Tiffany features emerald-colored jewels and multi-colored granite glass and is a glass reproduction of a famous Louis Tiffany design. It's handcrafted from authentic stained glass using Medya’s copperfoil construction method.
Tiffany style lamps are a testament to the artisan craftsmanship of handmade lamps and to this day remain a true icon of American home decor through their rich history, the artistry of their production, and the beautiful warm glow they bring to a room.
Shop Homzi’s vast collection of Tiffany style lighting today.