After 131 years of making crystal chandeliers,
Schonbek designs a new collection of crystal table lamps.
PLATTSBURGH, NY –- President & CEO Andrew Schonbek announced a major new line for the Schonbek company this year: crystal table lamps.
“As is the case with Schonbek chandeliers,” said Schonbek, “we are not simply making a light source but are attempting to express the form in a way never before seen. We consider each lamp an objet d’art.
“Lamp design has suffered,” said Schonbek, “from an excess of conventionality. But why shouldn’t a lamp be as fascinating as a crystal chandelier? We’ve been scholars of the interplay of light and crystal since we started making chandeliers in 1870 in Bohemia. We’ve drawn from the experience of 131 years to create our new lamps.
“Their most immediately striking feature is that they appear to glow from within. We have engineered the components to capture light and keep it luminously captive within the crystal body of the lamp. Sometimes we play with the optic quality of light, sometimes with its prismatic quality. The effect is ethereal, rather like bottling light.”
The base of the lamps is a solid transparent block of crystal resting at each corner on ornate cast feet. These deeply-carved castings are made in Italy to Schonbek’s specifications and finished at the Schonbek factory.
The body is crystal cut in simple, elegant designs. “Most crystal table lamps are a hodgepodge of crosshatching,” Schonbek explained, “which is handy for hiding imperfections. We are using such a very fine quality of Bohemian lead crystal that we want to reveal it, not conceal it.”
An original lampshade design has been created for each lamp. Fabric shades are trimmed with British braiding.
“The design inspiration of these lamps,” said Schonbek, “is eclectic, in the spirit of our times. You have the purity of the crystal juxtaposed with the baroque intricacy of the Italian castings.”
Designs include buffet, table and accent lamps. The Schonbek name is etched into the frame of the shade. Each lamp comes with a continuous dimmer switch.
“We’ve often regretted,” Schonbek added, “that not every home or condo will accommodate our crystal chandeliers. Now, with the introduction of our crystal lamps, more people can possess an original Schonbek.”
