Light Conversation — Throwback

How is everyone? 0

We hope everyone is staying healthy!  Here in Eden NC, we are all doing okay... working away to get you your beautiful lights or the parts you need.  We've added more of our antique parts to the site and are hoping to add more this weekend, so stay tuned!  

A past customer sent us a lovely photo this week of a chandelier that they received as a wedding gift in 1978.  It is one of my favorites - The Small Tryon.  

Mr. King created this chandelier in the 1940s and named it for the Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina. (When the world returns to normal, fans of Diana Gabaldon should take their Outlander tour.)

Unfortunately, the beautiful German wood-polished almonds that characterized the Tryon of all sizes are no longer available so we have removed the Tryon from our line of chandeliers.  However, a variation of it is available in the Bedford:

We can duplicate the structure of the Tryon for anyone interested in a Georgian style chandelier.  We have many alternative crystals for trimming.

As always, feel free to contact us for any custom chandelier creations!

Our Whitaker Series 0

We are quite known for our Gas-light Reproduction collection of chandeliers and sconces, and one of our most popular is the Whitaker collection.

The first in the series of Whitaker chandeliers was created by Mr. King in the 1980's during the boom of popularity of Victorian homes.  He wanted something in our line of reproduction chandeliers that wasn't quite so ornate but yet still evoked the sense of grandeur that the Victorian age epitomized.

Like our Charleston series, the Whitakers are crafted of solid brass tubing and banding and trimmed with 4" notched crystals, but there is a bit more spacing between all the crystals.  

The old Whitaker 6 differs a tiny bit from the new (graduated crystal instead of baguettes stretching to the top).  

As the chandelier grew popular, Mr. King introduced new version, including this lovely 4 armed version with solid brass cast eagles adorning the band.

The eagles, though no longer included on the design, are still available to use on any of the Whitakers, and we welcome your inquiry.

Although the collection was designed in the spirit of Victoriana, it looks beautiful in modern rooms with a warm decor - paneling, dark or rich colors... and just about anywhere!

If you find that the Whitaker chandeliers are the perfect choice for your home, consider a set of scones to flank your favorite painting, mirror or piece of furniture.

Our Showroom over the Years 0

As I have mentioned before, we've been sorting and searching through 85 (85!) years of accumulation - parts, marketing materials, photos, catalogs. 

I enjoy looking at and sharing old photos, and I am especially excited to be able to include them on our blog making them a perpetual part of our story.  The following photos show our showroom over the years.  

Mr. DF King and daughter Adele King in the 1950s. First dedicated chandelier space on Boone Rd. in Leaksville, NC.

1960s - Newly opened 3000 square feet of showroom and workshop on Highway 14 in Leaksville (shortly to become Eden), NC.  Mr. Durward King is on the sofa in the back ground. 

The photo above shows the 1970's addition taking us to 8,000 square feet of showroom and work space.  This photo was taken in the 1990s in our "Strass Room" by Albert Cardwell.  

Our same "Strass Room" a decade or so later.  Photo by Frank Van Valkenburg.

Our "Strass Room" now.

2020 is HERE! 0

One of the great things about Social Media is that you see so many fun photos, and this New Year was no exception.  I counted no less than 5 Roaring 20's parties involving the grown children of friends.  I thought, well, this must be a thing now (like 1950's and 60's parties were when I was young).  It was only when a co-worker pointed out the connection, did I get it.  Yeah, sometimes I am dense.  

How will the 1920's influence the 2020's?  Hopefully, lots of sparkles, feathers, and fringe.  Glorious colors and patterns -- maybe even velvet!  It is exciting to anticipate. 

We will be ready with our 1920's inspired chandeliers!

Our collection of tier model chandeliers is led by the Zelda.  The name and the design were inspired by that golden age.  

When King's chandelier started advertising our product nationally, it was the precursor of the Zelda chandelier that we marketed.  $35 plus shipping and handling... the good old days.  

If you want to start the 2020's in style, check out all of our tier models and choose one for your home.  

How to add light to your historic home... 0

In my archiving, I ran across this article.  There is some good information here, for all types of homes.

Victorian Lighting in Double Parlors 0

If you are a follower of our blog, then you know I've been using it to catalog and preserve some of the articles and press that have included our crystal chandeliers over the years.  The photos are fading, which is particularly a shame in regards to these grandly decorated Victorian homes. I truly love the wallpapers and fabrics used in these interiors.

(Speaking of wallpaper... we frequently share the stage with Bradbury and Bradbury - check them out if you aren't familiar.)

Double parlors were common in Grand Victoriana, and those spaces just beg for fantastic, show stopping chandeliers. There is just something luxurious about twin crystal chandeliers and these photos are true examples of that lavish decor.

Our lovely Richmond 6 is lighting the space shown below, a historic home in the Algiers Point neighborhood of New Orleans. 

Victorian Splendor in New Orleans... written by R. Stephanie Bruno and Photography by Eugenia Uhl.  Victorian Homes October 2011. 

Our Charleston 6 is doing a fine job of adding to the historic feel of this Brooklyn Brownstone's double parlor.  

Decorating a Brooklyn Brownstone ... written by Frances Gay and photography by Rob Kern.  Victorian Homes issue Winter of 1994.  

Stay tuned for more pretty photos and archives!