Sunday, October 30, 2016

16" Turtleback



With its band of hand cut, chunky glass tiles, the 16" Turtleback is a unique Tiffany Studios shade design. Commissioned by a couple in Illinois, the shade is made with a mottled glass that has a mix of green and cream tones. The turtlebacks in the band are hand cut and faceted from the larger 4" x 6" tiles used which are also used in the base.
The Square Turtelback base is cast in bronze at our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios example and is illuminated from within. We used the same green turtleback tiles in both the shade and base.

This shade can be used on a variety of bases. At left, it is shown on the elegant Library base.


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Lamp of the Week: 17" Bat



The 17" Bat is one of the more unusual Tiffany Studios shade designs. There are three known examples of the shade with a trio of bats flying against a night sky, and only one example of this variation with six overlapping bats. At Century Studios, we offer both versions of this unique design. Each bat is defined by a three dimensional cast bronze head and body. Commissioned in 2015 by a client in North Carolina, the shade is shown on the Dragonfly Stemmed Mosaic base.


Sunday, October 23, 2016

12" Acorn



This 12" Acorn was commissioned by a local client. The rich green geometric upper and lower portion frame the band with amber acorns against a lighter green ground. The shade is shown on the Tobacco Leaf base.


Thursday, October 20, 2016

Window of the Week: The Oz Parade



The Oz Parade is a colorful window inspired by the work of John R. Neill, the man who illustrated over thirty titles in the Wizard of Oz book series from 1904 - 1943. In the 1930's Mr. Neill created a mural for Elgood and Marie Lufkin that was situated over the mantel in their home. Using several references (it is not known if the mural still exists), Bill created his version as a multi layered 3' x 5' stained glass window in 2010. Oz characters pass by in a whirlwind of color and detail. The window was created as a studio piece and is now in a private collection in Iowa.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

22" Dragonfly


The 22" Dragonfly shade is one of our most popular shade patterns. Generously proportioned, the upper portion of the shade is studded with pressed glass jewels, while the irregular lower edge is formed by a line of dragonflies. Commissioned by a client in Georgia, this lamp has a dramatic color shift from bright sunny yellow/amber to a rich, deep blue/purple. The light blue jewels contrast with the orange bodies and yellow wings of the dragonflies. The organic Twisted Vine base supports the shade, which is topped with a distinctive Pig Tail Cap.



Thursday, October 13, 2016

Lamp of the Week: 18" Flowering Lotus





The 18" Flowering Lotus is one of the most complex lamps designed by Tiffany Studios. This lit sculpture begins at the table with bronze lily pads moving upwards into sculpted leaves and buds. Ten flower stems ascend inside the shade, each curving back downward and ending in a light. Glass stems cascade from the top of the shade, cascading down the sides and ending in buds and open flowers. The outward curve of the shade is accentuated by the irregular lower edge of flowers.

Here are two examples of 18" Flowering Lotus lamps created by Century Studios. The lamp pictured above was commissioned by a local client in the late 90's. The second example was made at our studio in the late 80's as a showroom piece and was featured in our brochure. Our brochure was replaced by our web site and has long been out of print.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Scarab Lamp


The Scarab Lamp is a small lamp with a lot of personality. At 9" tall and 6" wide, this delicate accent lamp has a green glass scarab beetle shade. The shade is pressed hollow and has a lustre surface. This piece was commissioned by an East Coast client.


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Lamp of the Week: 28" Dragonfly



Dragonfly shades have always been one of the most popular Tiffany Studios lamp motifs. This large 28" Dragonfly shade features dragonflies formally positioned against a jeweled background. Commissioned by a local client in 2008, the overall tone of the shade is a brooding mix of blues, greens and purples. Shots of brighter greens in the dragonfly bodies, jewels, and border rows, along with a few red jewels enliven the mix of color.


Sunday, October 2, 2016

18" Nasturtium


If roses are considered royalty in a garden, then nasturtiums would be the court jesters. Zipping over rocks or bursting forth from planters, these colorful flowers tumble with wild abandon across flower beds. The saucer shaped leaves and brightly colored flowers are also edible, adding a peppery zest to summer salads.


In preparation for our annual Arts & Crafts Show last weekend, we created a lively 18" Nasturtium shade. Bursting with energy and showcasing glass from every major glass maker of the past 30 years, the shade was carefully blended to change color depending on which side of the shade is viewed.
The flowers shift from lush reds to juicy oranges, then into sunny yellows and back to red. The leaves and background follow each change in the flowers, enhancing the color flow across the shade. Mottled, streaky, rippled, and fracture/streamer glass all joined together to create a whirlwind of delight. This style of coloration takes infinite patience and attention to detail so the blended shifts in color are natural and do not feel forced.
Making its debut at the Arts & Crafts show, this lamp was quickly purchased and is now in a private collection. It is shown on the versatile Small Stick base.