TRENDSPOTTER - Antique Lighting

Antique lighting is having a moment. From large street lanterns hung in boot rooms or along corridors, to 18^th and 19th-century cut glass chandeliers illuminating dining rooms, antique lighting can make a striking statement while adding warmth and atmosphere.

At auction, we are seeing growing interest in high-quality antique lighting from a wide range of buyers. Trade specialists, interior designers and private clients renovating houses are all searching for distinctive pieces with originality over the many reproductions currently on the market.

A large Continental gilt metal and glass quatrefoil hanging lantern, 19th century, estimate £1,000 - £2,000 at The Fine Sale 

This is reflected in the selection coming up in the Cheffins Fine Sale on 26th March. Among my favourites is a wonderful large red and gilt painted storm lantern decorated with palm fronds, consigned along with many other lights in this sale from a beautifully decorated house in Notting Hill.  

Similarly impressive is a large cut-glass chandelier, again from the same house which hung in the drawing room and offers a grandeur and style rarely found in modern equivalents, and carries an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000.

A cut glass chandelier, estimate £2,000 - £3,000 at The Fine Sale 

When buying antique lighting at auction, the most appealing examples are not necessarily defined by a particular period or style, but by their condition and authenticity. Pieces that remain in good, largely untouched period condition tend to be the most desirable. For lighting made from bare metals such as copper or brass, an attractive patina can significantly enhance appeal. This natural colouring develops gradually through oxidation, giving the surface a mellow, softly worn appearance that cannot be replicated artificially.

Condition is therefore one of the most important factors to assess when viewing antique lighting. Many lanterns have spent much of their lives outdoors and exposure to the elements can lead to rust or fatigue in the metal. Carefully checking the structure, finish and overall stability of a piece before bidding is always advisable.

Taste in lighting styles is, of course, highly personal. Rather than focusing on a specific era or maker, buyers are often best advised to consider what will work best within their own interiors. That said, certain styles are particularly fashionable at present. Early- to mid-20th century hand-blown coloured glass lights from Murano, for example, remain in strong demand thanks to their vibrant colours and sculptural forms.

On the subject of Venice and included in the forthcoming March Fine Sale is a set of four highly decorative red-painted and gilt-metal Venetian hanging lanterns dating from the 19th century, complete with wrought iron wall brackets and not wired for electricity but found in their original state to take candles. 

A set of four red-painted and gilt-metal Venetian hanging lanterns, 19th century, estimate £1,500 - £2,500. 

Prices for antique lighting at auction can vary widely depending on several factors such as size, condition, rarity and design. Buyers can find attractive examples in the low hundreds, while exceptional pieces can reach several thousand pounds.

To view the catalogue for the Fine Sale, please click here.