CRYSTAL DROP CHANDELIERS
Thomas Feeney, company director of Agapanthus Interiors, sheds some light on these elegant antiques
‘The charm of chandeliers is their history, the lineage of the form and function, and the beauty of design and craftsmanship. Each country, region and era boasts its own unique style, and all remain popular. Crystal chandeliers with drops date from as early as the 16th century; the drops were originally cut from quartz rock-crystal, but by the 18th century advancements in glass making meant that cut-glass and lead crystal drops were used throughout Europe.
France is home to many great glass chandelier-producing houses, such as Baccarat and Vannes-le-châtel, which were founded in 1764 and 1765 respectively and are still producing amazing crystal lighting today. The Czech Republic produced beautifully clear Bohemian glass chandeliers with swan necks, chromed fittings and hand-cut crystal drops. Great waterfall chandeliers with their cascade of glass icicles are always popular, and English makers like W.A.S. Benson remain highly collectible.’ (agapanthusinteriors.com)