£750.00
A beautiful early 20th-century pendant light, featuring an unusually elegant elongated shade formed from milky white swirled opaline glass, suspended from a decorative brass gallery and chain.
The generously proportioned glass shade has a distinctive elongated teardrop form, gently tapering to a point at its base. Subtle swirling and ribbon-like movement runs throughout the glass, creating variations in tone and translucency and giving the surface an almost fluid appearance.
A beautiful early 20th-century pendant light, featuring an unusually elegant elongated shade formed from milky white swirled opaline glass, suspended from a decorative brass gallery and chain.
The generously proportioned glass shade has a distinctive elongated teardrop form, gently tapering to a point at its base. Subtle swirling and ribbon-like movement runs throughout the glass, creating variations in tone and translucency and giving the surface an almost fluid appearance.
The opaline glass has a wonderfully soft, milky-white quality when unlit, with subtle variations becoming more apparent as the light moves across the shade. When illuminated, the glass gently diffuses the light source while allowing the swirling within the glass to remain visible.
Above the shade sits a particularly attractive pierced brass gallery, its domed form decorated with a repeating stylised motif. Small brass retaining screws secure the glass beneath the gallery, while a substantial brass chain completes the traditional suspension.
The warmth of the brass provides a lovely contrast against the cool white tones of the glass and gives the pendant a restrained elegance.
Its combination of unusual glass, simple proportions and decorative metalwork makes this a highly versatile antique light. It would work beautifully within a hallway, entrance hall, landing or bedroom, while its understated design also lends itself particularly well to contemporary interiors.
Opaline glass became an important decorative material during the 19th century and continued to be widely employed in decorative and domestic lighting into the early decades of the 20th century.
Its softly translucent character made it particularly suitable for lighting, helping to diffuse the increasingly widespread use of electric illumination within domestic interiors.
Glassmakers produced shades in numerous forms and experimented with variations in colour, opacity, moulding and decorative effects. The subtle swirling visible within this example gives an otherwise restrained shade considerably more movement and visual interest.
The combination of an elongated opaline glass shade, decorative brass gallery and traditional chain suspension is characteristic of the elegant domestic lighting produced during the early 20th century.
Acquired within the United Kingdom.
British
Early 20th Century, c.1900–1930
Milky white swirled opaline glass
Brass
Brass chain suspension
We particularly like the proportions and unusual glass of this pendant light.
The elongated teardrop shape gives the shade a wonderfully elegant silhouette, while the subtle swirling within the milky white opaline glass creates a softness and movement that becomes particularly attractive when illuminated.
The decorative pierced brass gallery is another lovely feature, providing just enough ornament without detracting from the simplicity of the glass.
It is a particularly versatile antique light: decorative enough to provide a focal point within a period interior but sufficiently restrained in design to work beautifully within a more contemporary setting.
This early 20th-century pendant light is in good antique condition, with wear consistent with age and historic use.
The opaline glass displays expected minor surface marks and natural variations associated with its age and manufacture. Variations in colour, translucency and swirling within the glass are inherent characteristics of the material and manufacturing process.
The brass gallery, fittings and chain display expected age-related surface wear and patination.
Please refer to all photographs, which form an important part of the condition report.
This antique pendant light has passed through the Shackleton Fox workshop for a full assessment.
The light has been rewired as required using quality British electrical components and PAT inspected and tested, ensuring it is ready for continued use while retaining the character and integrity of the original fitting.
Height: 39 cm / 15.4 inches
Width: 17 cm / 6.7 inches
Depth: 17 cm / 6.7 inches
Weight: 1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs
Max Drop: 127 cm
Min Drop: 39 cm
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
