18" Turtleback Shade

We recently completed an 18" Turtleback shade which was commissioned by a client in Texas. The shade has different shape than the 18" Turtleback shades we have previously created. The finished lamp is shown on the Decorated Library base.

Tiffany Studios created turtleback shades in many different shapes and sizes. Referencing an original Tiffany Studios' shade, we were asked to closely match the shape, color, and texture of the original shade. Fortunately, the glass used in the original shade was made by the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company, which sold glass to Tiffany Studios in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

What gives this shade its lively textural quality is the tight ripple glass which is used "smooth side out", giving the viewer a surprise when the shade is illuminated and the textural quality of the glass is revealed. We cut the turtleback tiles to be less square and more horizontal, once again taking our cue from the original example. The resulting shade has a compact, horizontal feel.

Upon receiving the completed lamp, the client wrote to say that, "The shade is awesome!".

Studio Tour

On Thursday, March 17th Century Studios hosted a local antiques group for a studio tour and talk about how we create our reproduction Tiffany Studios shades and bases. The group enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day lunch at the nearby Groveland Tap, and then flooded our studio work space with over 20 enthusiastic attendees.

Irwin gave a brief outline of the history of Tiffany Studios, and Bill showed examples of sheet glass, and how we lay out, cut, and piece our shades together. After a brief soldering demonstration, questions were answered and the tour ended with group members moving around the work space and showroom having individual questions answered.

14" Arrowhead Shade

Last week we completed a 14" Arrowhead shade for our showroom. This unusual Tiffany Studios design looks appears to be an abstract design when in fact, it is a fairly factual representation of a flowering plant (Syngonium podophyllum - see photo at left) which grows beside ponds and marshes. Nurseries and plant growers have created disease resistant house plant varieties of the Arrowhead. A popular landscaping specimen, "natural" versions of this highly decorative plant are often seen around ponds on golf courses. 

The Arrowhead plant is a favorite motif of Arts & Crafts era designers, and is often mislabeled as "Arrowroot". Arrowroot plants (Maranta arundinacea - see drawing to the right) are a completely different plant species whose tubers provide a thickening starch used in cooking.

Taking our cue from the favorite places the Arrowhead grows, we chose a color scheme that subtly emphasizes the natural habitat for the plant. The bottom border of the lamp is rendered in a ripple textured green & blue water glass, while the "plants" grow on the shoreline.

Shown on the Swamp Flower base, this 14" cone shade is a perfect compliment to any decor where a floral or geometric accent lamp is needed. The somewhat stylized shade pattern is naturalistic, but has a geometric flavor that appeals to more masculine interiors. This shade design, along with larger 20" version of the pattern, is a favorite in Arts & Crafts and Prairie Style interiors.

22" Dragonfly

For the past few weeks, we have been working on several projects at the same time. One of these projects is a large 22" Drophead Dragonfly shade. The photo shows Bill choosing pressed glass jewels for the background of the shade.

Limited Edition Dragonfly Vases

This is the final week to pre-order our Century Studios/Ephraim Faience Pottery Limited Edition Dragonfly Vase. The vase is approximately 6.5" tall x 4" wide, and is priced at $200.00, this signed/numbered vase will be a unique addition to any pottery collection.

Call us at 651-699-4838 to place your order by Friday March 11!