£2,850.00
An exceptional and highly decorative Arts & Crafts wrought iron hanging lantern, originally made for gas illumination and now sympathetically converted for electricity in the Shackleton Fox workshop.
Of unusually generous proportions, the lantern measures 102 cm high before its suspension chain, giving it considerable architectural presence.
An exceptional and highly decorative Arts & Crafts wrought iron hanging lantern, originally made for gas illumination and now sympathetically converted for electricity in the Shackleton Fox workshop.
Of unusually generous proportions, the lantern measures 102 cm high before its suspension chain, giving it considerable architectural presence.
The frame is beautifully worked throughout in heavy wrought iron, displaying the irregularities and subtle hammering characteristic of traditional hand forging. A strong central stem forms the backbone of the lantern, around which the blacksmith has created an elaborate arrangement of scrolling, twisted and shaped ironwork.
Particularly striking are the opposing S-scrolls and broad forged leaves surrounding the upper section. Each has been worked from iron strap, swelling through its centre before terminating in tightly curled ends. Below, further sweeping iron straps descend towards the cylindrical lantern body, creating an elegant transition between the tall upper framework and the glass enclosure.
The lower lantern is surrounded by a circular wrought iron frame with additional hand-forged scrollwork and twisted elements. Within sits a bespoke replacement glass cylinder, individually hand blown in the United Kingdom specifically for this lantern.
Importantly, elements of the lantern's original gas fitting survive within the frame, providing tangible evidence of its original method of illumination. Rather than removing this history during conversion, the surviving components have been retained wherever possible.
The lantern is suspended from a wonderfully substantial hand-forged wrought iron chain, itself a decorative feature. Its large individually worked links continue the craftsmanship seen throughout the main body.
Now fully converted to electricity, the lantern combines its original Arts & Crafts character with practical modern use.
A remarkable piece of architectural lighting, ideally suited to a substantial entrance hall, stairwell, vaulted ceiling or country-house interior.
The Arts & Crafts Movement, which developed in Britain during the later 19th century and continued into the early decades of the 20th century, placed renewed emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, honest materials and the visible hand of the maker.
Ironwork was particularly well suited to these principles. Rather than disguising construction beneath highly polished or mechanically produced decoration, Arts & Crafts metalworkers celebrated the characteristics of wrought iron itself — hammer marks, forged tapers, scrolls, riveted construction and subtle irregularities were all allowed to become part of the design.
Lighting offered an especially fertile area for this approach. Lanterns could combine medieval and vernacular influences with contemporary domestic requirements, resulting in fittings that were simultaneously functional and highly sculptural.
This example was originally designed for gas illumination, placing it within an important transitional period in domestic lighting. As electricity became increasingly established, many high-quality gas fittings were subsequently adapted rather than discarded.
The surviving gas components within this lantern are therefore an important part of its history and have deliberately been retained during its sympathetic conversion.
Acquired within the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom
Late 19th Century, c.1880–1900
Arts & Crafts Period
Arts & Crafts
With strong Gothic / Medieval Revival influences.
Hand-forged wrought iron
Brass and copper gas components
Hand-blown glass
Gas hanging lantern
Subsequently sympathetically converted for electric illumination.
This lantern has passed through the Shackleton Fox workshop for a comprehensive assessment and sympathetic restoration.
Originally designed for gas illumination, the lantern has been carefully converted for modern electric use while retaining important elements of its historic gas fittings and as much of the original fabric as possible.
The previous glass was no longer present and a new cylindrical glass shade was commissioned specifically for the lantern and individually hand blown in the United Kingdom, respecting the proportions and character of the original fitting.
The electrical components have been renewed as required using quality British components, with the wiring carefully incorporated into the original structure.
The lantern has been PAT inspected and tested prior to sale.
This is one of those antique lights where the craftsmanship becomes increasingly apparent the closer you look.
The scale is superb, but it is the hand-forged detailing that makes the lantern particularly special. The iron has clearly been worked rather than simply cast or mechanically formed: scrolls tighten and open organically, the broad straps change profile as they move through the design, and the surface retains the texture of traditional forging.
We also felt it was important to preserve the evidence of its original gas illumination. The surviving brass and copper components remain within the lantern and tell an important part of its history.
The bespoke hand-blown replacement glass was commissioned in Britain specifically for the piece rather than using an inappropriate modern off-the-shelf cylinder.
At over a metre high before the chain, this is a substantial architectural light and one that deserves sufficient space to appreciate its proportions. We could particularly imagine it within a large entrance hall, staircase or country-house setting.
In very good antique condition following sympathetic restoration through the Shackleton Fox workshop.
The wrought iron retains a wonderfully aged dark surface with expected variations in patination, texture, historic marks and wear consistent with its age and hand-forged construction.
Historic gas components have deliberately been retained as part of the lantern's original fabric.
The cylindrical glass is a bespoke modern replacement, hand blown in the United Kingdom specifically for this lantern.
The lantern has been converted from gas to electricity, rewired as required and PAT inspected and tested.
Please refer to all photographs, which form an important part of the condition report.
Lantern Height: 102 cm / 40.2 inches
Width: 33 cm / 13 inches
Depth: 33 cm / 13 inches
Weight: 8.1 kg / 17.9 lbs
Minimum Overall Drop: 107 cm / 42.1 inches
Maximum Overall Drop: 169 cm / 66.5 inches
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.
