Light Conversation

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.

The Stables at the Virginian at Westlake 0

One of my favorite projects of 2019 is completed!  A new barn venue was conceived and created in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia by Jackie Baker and Mike Boyd, and we had the pleasure of working with them as they selected the interior and exterior lighting.  

The Stables at the Virginian is a beautiful space... fun, classy, elegant and rustic all at the same time!  The design is upscale stable, and it manifests the warmth and hospitality that one would expect in the perfect venue space. I can't imagine any better setting for a wedding. 

Check out this article written by Karen Dillon for the Smith Mountain Laker.  Photography is by Heather Turner.  Heather's photos are worlds better than mine, but below are some pics from my phone.

The main space houses the Schonbrunn flanked by custom chandeliers - Baltimores that we made to be 32" wide instead of 30" wide. The radiant crystal looks magnificent against the gorgeous wood of the ceiling and banisters.

A variation of our Wentworth chandelier hangs in threes here in the Bride's Room.  They accompany 2 sconces.  Jackie custom designed these chandeliers in order to get just the right amount of sparkle. This ambiance will make all bride's feel beautiful!

We worked with Jackie on the rest of the interior lighting, as well as the exterior lighting and fans, to achieve that perfect balance of rustic and sophistication. 

Jackie and Mike know the importance of lighting - both practically and aesthetically.  Each fixture (over 75 of them) was carefully selected to blend the elegant and rustic aspects of the decor.

It is gorgeous, and we are so proud to be part of this project.  Congratulations to Jackie and Mike.

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.  

Antique Glass Shades on the Website! 0

Summer is over, but our summer intern, Somer (you have to smile at that) has continued her project of pulling beautiful things from our treasure chests of old boxes -something we've talked about doing for, well, decades.  Thanks to her hard work and meticulous photography, we have made a good start of putting these treasures on the website.  

Most of the lovelies that Somer has cataloged for us are these beautiful glass shades.  Some of them date back to the 1860's we are sure, but any particular information about them has been lost over the years as we have lost the good folks that worked with them.  Even if you don't need one of these shades, you will be impressed by the beauty and variety of our collection.

As with all of our antique and vintage pieces, we've done our best to describe the condition of the particular piece, but we welcome all of your inquiries and requests for more photos.  

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.