History Behind Chandeliers

Chandeliers experienced growth from simple candleholders to exuberant artworks throughout the years and their history is not finished even closely. Being at the front of the evolving lighting trends, we are curious to observe and manage chandeliers' history nowadays…

12-13th century - the Mother of the Chandeliers - Polycandelon

The oldest ancestor of a chandelier is a Polycandelon, used during the 12-13th centuries. They were usually made of bronze and were a sign of real wealth. One of the few saved pieces is currently a part of an exhibition in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This example stands on three feet. Illumination was provided through small glass vessels placed within its circular rings. This frame is made to hold glass oil vessels or ordinary clay lamps. Typically for luxury objects of that time, they were accomplishing not only practical tasks but also had a spiritual meaning. This Polycandelon is decorated with a pair of birds, which were thought to dispel evil to a common belief. In contrast with floor-standing Polycandela, chain-suspended Polycandela were also used to illuminate mainly churches or aristocratic residences. 

Medieval time - a giant step up

The next step in a chandelier evolving history is a mediaeval time. During this period chandeliers became more popular and were referring not to the handing light. A mediaeval chandelier could be moved from room to room. In the Encyclopaedia "All things Mediaeval" the author wrote: 

"Portable chandeliers provided evening light for those who could afford candles.In wealthy houses, though, candles could even be grouped together in a chandelier, a holder with room for more than one candle. The word chandelier now refers to a hanging light, but a mediaeval chandelier could be moved from room to room. The evening meal was generally eaten in the dark during the winter, and aristocratic households used candles on the dining tables so the food could be seen."

From the 15th and 16th century, chandeliers were in the transition period of becoming more sophisticated. The main part of chandeliers' development was made in that time, so chandeliers received their classical ring or crown designs. Olfert Dapper (Dutch physician and writer) described seeing chandeliers at the palace of the king of Mutapa. These ivory chandeliers were already done on a simple ring frame.

On the famous painting of Jan van Eyck "The Arnolfini Portrait" (1434) we see a classic brass chandelier with a sophisticated ornament. The lighting fixtures in this style are still produced from time to time.

During the 17th century, along with the cult of mirrors, chandeliers were evolving.
Wall sconces, multi-branched candleholders, candelabra and the ceiling chandeliers with rock-crystal or glass drops began being incorporated to multiply the glittering effects of added reflections. Crystal drops were attached to every possible lighting source to show off the rainbow lights all over the wealthy rooms. Labour-intensive crystal chandeliers became a new sign of wealth.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the glass industry was at its prime. The development of the glass production industry led to cheaper production of lead crystals. Therefore, the cut-glass chandelier was dominant from about 1750 until at least 1900.

In the mid 19th century, when the gas lighting caught on, mostly all previous designs of lighting pieces were simply converted to so-called gasoliers. Candleholders were replaced with deep gasoline cups without any major frame reconstructions. 

Towards our time chandeliers have been becoming more and more complicated and had reached their peak by the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the electricity revolution, chandeliers with a new source of light were called Electrolier. Back then it was a miracle, in contrast, nowadays electroliers are the only option available on the mass market. 

Sir John Betjeman wrote the poem "The Metropolitan Railway - Baker Street Station Buffet" (1954) with a romantic description: 

"Early Electric! With what radiant hope!

Men formed this many-branched electrolier, 

Twisted the flex around the iron rope 

And let the dazzling vacuum globes hang clear, 

And then with hearts the rich contrivance fill’d 

Of copper, beaten by the Bromsgrove Guild."

 

Last 50 years the general trends have led to minimalistic approaches, clear lines and the absence of sophisticated details, but we feel the wind of changes. Crystal chandeliers are returning their glory by conquering the hearts of famous interior designers...