Holiday Hours

Century Studios will be closed from Saturday December 24 through Monday January 2. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday January 3.

Lamp of the Week: 18" Poinsettia

The 18" Poinsettia is a generously proportioned shade featuring a wide band of poinsettia flowers. The upper portion of the shade has unusual trellised borders. This example, commissioned in 2013, has the vibrant plants set against a deep cobalt blue background. Several greens were employed to give the trellis added interest. The shade is shown on the elegant Budding Urn Pottery base.

One Week Until Christmas

December is always a busy month at the studio and we have been working on several projects the past few weeks. One that we just completed is this 7" Geometric shade in rich amber with a lively blue accent row. A local client commissioned this shade for their antique lamp base.

 Studio Hours

It is one week until Christmas and Century Studios will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5:30pm. We will be closed Saturday December 24 through Monday January 2.

Lamp of the Week: 26" Poinsettia

This 26" Poinsettia is a large, colorful shade that features lush red and green poinsettia flowers against a rich golden background. The shade makes an impressive chandelier fixture or can be used as a floor lamp on the Sr. Floor of Bamboo Sr. Floor bases. This lamp was commissioned in 2005.

25" Mandarin Lotus

The 25" Mandarin Lotus shade is a uniquely shaped Tiffany shade. Many Tiffany lamp designs were inspired by water plants, and this pattern emulates the large round leaves of the lotus plant. The pattern of the lead lines takes its cues from the veining in the leaves, and the three dimensional accordion pleat surface brings the pattern to life.

For this exciting shade, a rich amber tone was chosen that shifts in density from the top of the shade to the bottom, eventually blending into a pale yellow glass at the lower edge. The subtle shift is accentuated through the density and mottling in the glass, and careful modulation of the accent color at the edge.

Once the shade is cut, foiled, and fit to the lamp form, the long process of soldering the shade begins. Gravity compels hot solder to run downhill, so the pleated surface of this shade creates soldering challenges that don't usually occur. The shade must be placed at many different angles to allow the solder to flow and bead properly. The inside of the shade is also carefully soldered in the same way.

Once the shade has been soldered, each rib is accentuated with hand applied wire work. This is a painstaking process, where copper wire is attached to each rib. Each lead line and tacked wire is then gone over again to ensure a gentle solder bead which evens finishes the look of the rib.

The 25" Lotus has an irregular lower edge which is finished with a half round copper wire. In addition to adding strength to the shade, the bottom wire finishes and smooths out the pieces creating a pleasing visual lower edge.

Commissioned by a local client, the shade is shown on the slender Artichoke Trumpet base. This is a taller, 6 light version of our standard Artichoke Trumpet base. The taller base would be appropriate for this design or the umbrella-like Parasol shade.

Lamp of the Week: 22" Double Poinsettia

The 22" Double Poinsettia shade combines large expressive flowers blooming within a formal trellis. For this shade, we used a variety of light and deep toned reds tinged with blues, purples, and yellows to give the flowers a fanciful, sun dappled appearance. The light blue background glass at the top of the shade deepens to purple and amber. Unifying these colors is the multicolored trellis glass with its hints of blue, amber, and green. The shade is shown on the Perforated base.

Created as a studio piece, this shade can be used as a large table lamp, a junior floor lamp, or as a chandelier. This piece is currently available for purchase in our showroom.

New Wally Birds

We just received several new Wally Birds from Bur Oak Pottery. All pieces by Bur Oak are hand sculpted in stoneware, then fired in a wood fired kiln with a salt glaze. The heads are movable and removable to store treasures inside! Each piece is mounted to a hand turned painted wooden base.

 Eavesdropping Bird - 13" tall - This inquisitive fellow keeps an ear open and leans over to catch everyone's conversations.

 Conspiring Bird - 16" - Plotting and planning come naturally to this large beaked bird. Shady deals are in the works when he is around.

 Confident Bird - 16" - Upright, loyal and true are the watchwords for this balding fellow.

Blue Bird - 16" - With his large rounded beak, this pleasant fellow never misses a meal.

Here are the other members of the flock that are currently available:

Large Owl - 20.5" tall - The grand daddy of them all. This owl is tall, stately, full of knowledge, and ready to share his wisdom with all.

 White Owl - With his snowy plumage, this dapper fellow is sure to stand out in any crowd.

 Contented Bird - 10.5" tall - Happy and at ease with everyone, this sprightly fellow is ready for any adventure that comes his way.

 Leopold - This commanding fellow has a no nonsense attitude to life.

 Sly Bird - 10.5" tall - The petite, quite birds find all the best bird seed.

Cunning Bird - 10.25" tall - This plump fellow knows where all the worms are, but he is keeping this knowledge to himself.

Platypus Jar - 13.5" tall - Not strictly a Wally Bird, this jolly fellow is ready to plunge off his pedestal and go for a swim.

Lamp of the Week: 7 Light Lily Table Lamp

At Century Studios, our cast bronze Tiffany Lily Lamps are created in our studio using molds taken from an original Tiffany Studios example. We offer these distinct table lamps in 7, 10, 12 & 18 light versions. We currently have a 7 Light Lily Table Lamp available in our showroom.

A milestone in the history of lighting design, Louis Comfort Tiffany introduced lily lamps in the 1890's and showed the world what could be created with some imagination and an electric light bulb. This illuminated sculpture is inspired by a cluster of water lilies, with the lustre glass flowers nodding gently above the bronze lily pads and buds. Even the light bulb was incorporated into the design, forming the stamen of each blossom.

Several Projects

We have recently completed several projects for various clients. The Turtleback Table Lantern w/Swirls was created for an East Coast client using orange/amber turtleback tiles.

We were commissioned to create a matching pair of smaller Chain Mail Lanterns that have been installed as wall sconces above a fireplace mantle. One of the pair is shown here, photographed as a pendant fixture. The glass used is a lightly mixed combination of amber and green.

A local client commissioned a stained glass window depicting a Yosemite Valley landscape. A wide variety of glasses, including streaky, ring mottled, lightly textured, opaque and semi transparent were skillfully mixed to bring this colorful mountain vista to life. The completed piece is being installed in the couple's home as a transom window.

Holiday Hours

Century Studios Holiday Hours

Thursday November 24 - CLOSED

Friday November 25 through Friday December 23 - Open regular business hours

Saturday December 24 through Monday January 2 - CLOSED

Tuesday January 3 - Open regular business hours

20" Poppy

The 20" Poppy shade is a classic Tiffany Studios lamp design. The warm golden background provides a calming backdrop for the gently swaying red flowers. The filigreed leaves and flower centers add a level of three dimensional interest to the shade. Commissioned by an East Coast client, the shade  is shown on the elegant Library base.

Lamp of the Week: Bell Lotus

The 15" Bell Lotus shade is an unusual Tiffany Studios lamp pattern. The shade is a smaller version of the 25" Mandarin Lotus shade. In both patterns, the surface of the shade undulates in an accordion pleat. Applied wire work on the peak of each pleat accentuates the three dimensional look of the shade.  The coloration for this shade makes a dramatic shift from green to white. The Ribbed Harp base mimics the profile of the shade. This lamp was created as a showroom piece in 2006 and is now in a local collection.

14" Geometric

Geometric shades come in all shapes and sizes, and we have made them in a multitude of colors. The elegant simplicity of this 14" Geometric shade allows the lamp to feel right at home in most interiors. Commissioned by a client in Pennsylvania, this shade was created using a green glass that was mixed with a cheery amber/yellow tone by the Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Company. The shade is shown on the Small Stick base.

Lamp of the Week: 20" Dragonfly

The multicolored background of this 20" Dragonfly shade was created from a five color, granite textured glass. The mix of red, yellow, blue, green, and gold pink gives the shade a warm, fiery glow which is accented by the blue toned border rows and red jewels that dot the upper surface of the shade. The blue bodied dragonflies with light green filigreed wings skim the surface of the shade. This shade, shown on the distinctive Twisted Vine base was commissioned by a client in Chicago in 2014.

16" Peacock

The 16" Peacock shade is comprised of a whirlwind of overlapping peacock feathers. Carefully modulated jewel tones of blue, purple, and green have been blended together to emphasize the movement of the pattern. The eye of each feather is defined by a deep orange/amber for contrast. The combination of pattern and color give completed shade an exuberant feel.

This lamp was commissioned by a couple in Illinois and is paired with the Bell Pepper base. Tiffany Studios originally offered this base as an oil lamp or it could be wired with electrical fittings.

Lamp of the Week: 22" Peony

The 22" Peony is a classic Tiffany Studios lamp design. This generously proportioned shade can be created in colors that are light an airy, or deep and brooding. The saturated color palette or this shade has flowers in deep red, rust, and intense pinks set against a multicolored background with blue, green, and dark amber. In keeping with the lush coloration of the shade, the borders are a deep amber glass with hints of green. The shade is shown on the elegant Arc base. We were commissioned to create this example in 2001.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.