The Development of the Glass Lamp
Spanning an incredibly broad spectrum lamps of all different types and styles have become great collector items in the modern era. Antique and vintage lamps are available in many different styles that span the art deco era, the retro period and even date back to the Victorian years. There are also well-known names that hold collectors interests such as Tiffany, Handel and Aladdin.
Lamps have descended from the early oil lamp that consisted of a simple vessel that held the fuel and a wick to hold the flame. With a glass covering and a metal base they were made in large quantities during the 19th century.
During the Victorian era the emergence of the early glass table lamps were seen as the oil lamps developed into more ornate candelabras and then the earliest electric lamps were produced.
One of the more interesting developments with the types of glass lamps that were being manufactured was the popularity of ornate glass lampshades. Suddenly, lamps became more than simply a functional piece of equipment that supplied light to a room. They became items of decorative value and a means of adding beauty and interest to a room. The way in which glass was used helped to create this decorative value and types of glass such as the milky white slag glass styles of lamps were seen in larger numbers in the creation of beautiful lamp shades.
Decorative lamps inevitably developed so that they were more artistic in design and this soon created a greater market for some manufacturers. Tiffany lamps with the use of stained glass were instantly popular and they were made in large numbers to keep up with the demand. Other Arts and Crafts styles also meant that collecting lamps became a popular and lucrative pastime.
Moving beyond the attractive qualities of the various types of stained glass table lamps, the Art Deco styles of lamps saw the use of more angular lines with geometric features dominating. Glass began to be used more as a lamp base material with the inclusion of paper shades on top. It was also more common to see figural lamps at this time.
The introduction of the television saw the production of yet another style of lamp, the TV lamp in the mid-20th century. These backlit decorative sculptures were made to be placed on top of the television.
Moving on to more modern times and the use of glass in various ways has continued to evolve in just as imaginative ways as ever. Glass can be treated to form just about any type of shape, it can be colored to any hue and it can be beaded or stretched to form all types of unbelievable shapes. When combined with the technology of today, the lamps that are being produced remain highly collectible and visually stunning.
The glass table lamp has developed in an amazing number of ways from the first use as a wind barrier for the humble lantern. Its ability to be used in a decorative way makes it a home furnishing that can be used with great imagination.