The History of the Baron Chandelier

We have great pride in our original designs, but we also find joy in creating reproductions.  There is something satisfying about being able to recreate things of beauty from our past.

Over the many, many years we have been building crystal chandeliers, we have been called upon to work on any reproduction projects.  One of our favorites was for Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida.

The building itself is impressive!  Originally built in 1888 by Henry Flagler as the Alcazar Hotel, it has been through a few variations and purposes over the years, but is now, most spectacularly, the Lightner Museum. (You can read more about the building at visitstaug.com  and at https://lightnermuseum.org/history.)

Also in 1888, Mr. Flagler built the Ponce de Leon Hotel, across the street from the Alcazar Hotel. The Ponce de Leon Hotel is currently the heart of Flagler College and home of these beauties, the inspiration for our Baron chandelier:

Compare the instagram capture above to this great old photo:

And the history in this photo!

In the early 1990's we were approached by Lightner Museum about reproducing these chandeliers for the current phase of their amazing restoration journey.  

With a few little changes and the blessing of all involved, we decided to keep the chandelier in our line of crystal reproductions and named it, fittingly, the Baron.  It remains one of my favorite chandeliers.

If you haven't visited The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, you are really missing out on a fascinating collection of artwork and antiques.  You will find updated exhibits along with learning experiences and an awesome staff of knowledgeable volunteers.  Tell them the folks at King's Chandelier sent you!

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