Garden lighting is the illumination of gardens, terraces, drives, courtyards and outdoor buildings, and in the antiques world it refers to the lanterns, lamp posts, wall lights and stone lanterns made for use outside. Historic examples were designed to withstand weather and often to hold candles, oil or gas before being adapted for electricity.
Copper, brass and iron lanterns once lit entrances, carriage drives and stable yards, while Victorian towns and estates installed cast-iron lamp posts and gas lanterns produced by foundries in large numbers. In the later nineteenth century Japanese stone lanterns became fashionable features in British gardens, inspired by the taste for Japanese design. Antique garden lighting also includes coach lanterns, ship's lights and storm lanterns that have been repurposed for outdoor use. When buying, look for sound metalwork, intact glazing and evidence of original paint or patina. Any conversion to mains electricity must use fittings and cable rated for outdoor use and be installed by a qualified electrician. Thoughtfully placed, a pair of period lanterns at a gate or doorway, or a stone lantern beside a pool, adds character after dark and remains attractive as a sculptural object by day.
