The original Tiffany Lamps were so well made that many of them have survived to today. Though it is unknown how many originals were make by L.C. Comfort and the Tiffany Studios, the true originals can fetch over five million dollars today. Many good copies on are the market today. Some for as inexpensive as about a hundred dollars, and some for as much as several thousand dollars. With stained glass shades, created from hundreds of tiny pieces of glass, the detail is stunning. Some patterns are random, others group colors and shapes together, and the most exquisite arrange colors and shapes together to make objects such as dragon flies or flowers. So let’s take a minute to look at various styles of Tiffany lighting, where this art form originated, and the lighting selection available today.
LC Tiffany
Tiffany Lamps were created by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) in the 1880′s. The inspiration for Tiffany style lights began on day when LC Tiffany was in his glass shop manufacturing plant and a heap of stained glass cut offs caught his eyes. Already this inventor was a well know stained glass window artisan. He developed a system of attaching copper foil along the edges of the stained glass pieces. Then he soldered one to the next. Soon a lamp shade was formed.
Tiffany was also acquaintances with Thomas Edison, inventor of the electric light bulb. Together these men worked to create the first electrical Tiffany lamp. I thought that is was also interesting that their workshop for this project was in a theater. These two inventors are part of the drama of American history, making history in a theater…
Vintage Tiffany Lamps
If you have ever shopped for a Tiffany lamp then you know that the vast majority of Tiffanies are not originals. Only a few originals still exist. As I mentioned earlier, currently an original costs several million dollars. About thirty years ago an original sold for about $20,000 but the cost has escalated because more collectors are specializing in Tiffany lamps limiting the number in circulation.
Tiffany The Painter Turned Inventor
Before Louis Tiffany was a pioneer lamp inventor he was a painter. His interest progressed to stained glass windows and specialty window glass. As is fame grew he painted world known cathedral windows. During his window staining he also invented new methods for staining glass, even making it appear wavy and textured within the glass.
After achieving status as one of the most renown stained glass artisans hes interest turned towards the lamps. His first shades were made from common geometrical shapes of squares, triangles, and rectangles. Various colors and shapes were each cut and a pattern was laid out. Then all of the pieces were soldered together via the copper foil edging. Each work was composed from several hundred shapes.
Not wishing to stop with only shades, he also designed specialty lamp stands. The trunks of trees and other patterns were specifically designed and fashioned to compliment the shades. Today his Wisteria Tree lamp base is still in demand.
The Tiffany Girls
Tiffany himself – world famous painter, stained glass window guru, and new style of lighting inventor – really only took the first step in transforming the new lights into the industry they are today. The most popular and intricate designs were actually developed by a team of ladies who became known as the Tiffany Girls. With rising demand for the lights more designers were employed. The Tiffany Girls were part of the expanded work force. These ladies handmade lamp shades, but they also developed new designs. America was a growing and maturing country with a continuous appetite for the new. The industrial revolution was enabling more people to have disposable income for such things.
Clara Driscoll was a design director of the Tiffany Girl’s team. Some of the crowning works of the Tiffany Studios were a result of these ladies. Patterns such as the Peony, Wisteria, Dragon Fly, and Daffodils were their creations. It was not until recently that these works were correctly credited to these ladies instead of to LC Tiffany himself.
The Tiffany Glass
To gain the effect and drama of some of these lights the stained glass itself possessed some of the most important detail. To gain the full feel of the glass, the coloring process must be explored. Original stained glass windows involved a process of painting the glass. Tiffany believed there was a better method to be found. A simple inexpensive jam jar captured his attention. Cheap glass had impurities which gave various hues. With this thought he went to some glass manufactures and asked them about making various colors of glass, but no one was interested. Colored glass was substandard and imperfect. The industry had finally discovered a way to make purely clear glass, so why would they go back? But Louis Tiffany was not to be deterred. He went back to his own specialty glass foundry and began experiments. The resulting glass transformed the stained glass craft.
Through his experimentation not only were the colors integrated into the glass, but also textures were crafted into the glass. He mixed hot glass of various temperatures, color combinations, etc together. One famous glass he patented was his iridescent effect.
If you read about Louis Tiffany you are bound to encounter the term “Favrile”. Favrile is defined as coming from an antiquated French word meaning “hand crafted”, or “hand-wrought”. In 1894 Favrile is used as an adjective connected to a specialty glass. “Favrile Iridescent Glass” was patented to him and was one of his top achievements.
Tiffany Lamps were uniquely his so the early one were not stamped, marked, or autographed. When Tiffany began earmarking his work it was only through numbers or his word “Favrile”. Some later shades were stamped simply with “Tiffany Studios”. Most experts agree that original pieces that are marked with L.C.T. had the initials added later, now then it was originally crafted. Some people did this to try to add value to the lights.
Tiffany Lamps Today
Today Tiffany style lamps go far beyond the table lamps. Lights with stained glass patterns include ceiling fans, chandeliers, accent lights, floor lamps, pendent lights, wall sconces, and even night light shades. Less expensive lights by names such as Dale Tiffany, Quoizel, and Meyda Tiffany range between $50 and $500.
For those who desire an exact replica there are a few custom lighting companies who still handcraft Tiffany lamps the same way Louis Tiffany did over 100 years ago. Oceana, Stripple, Kokomo, and Bullseye are a few of these companies who offer this level of craftsmanship. A replica from one of these costs between $500 and $5,000 depending on the style, size, and complexity of the pattern.
Tiffany lamps are a piece of American history with great beauty. Many companies have made it relatively inexpensive to purchase one to enjoy in your own home.
Your Tiffany Lamps
