Tiffany Studios - Turtle-Back Desk Lamp - Early 20th Century
In this feature, Barker Mansion Events Coordinator Craig Golbesky writes about one of the most admired items in the collection: the Tiffany Studios turtle-back desk lamp.
Hello, Fellow History Lovers!
Visitors to Barker Mansion are often captivated by the variety of original collection items that fill each room. Among the collection, one particular item frequently draws significant attention: the turtle-back desk lamp crafted by Tiffany Studios. This exquisite piece reflects the artistic brilliance of its creator and serves as a focal point within the Morning Room.
At the heart of this captivating lamp lies a shade of Favrile glass, renowned for its vibrant colors and iridescent sheen – a hallmark of Tiffany Studios’ craftsmanship. Developed by Tiffany in 1894, Favrile glass revolutionized the art glass industry with its patented process. Unlike traditional iridescent glasses, Favrile glass is composed of various colors of glass fused together while still in the molten state, resulting in a unique luminosity that earned Tiffany acclaim, including a grand prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition. The name “Favrile” derives from the Old English word “fabrile,” meaning “handcrafted” or “pertaining to the craftsman of his craft”.
Residing on top of Mrs. Barker’s desk, the lamp was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. This exquisite piece marries the luxurious allure of Tiffany’s Favrile glass with the organic beauty of bronze, epitomizing the studio’s mastery of materials and design.
The lamp’s dark patinated bronze base has a leafy platform and is adorned with sixteen Favrile cabochons, serving as an homage to the era’s fascination with organic forms. This departure from the ornate Victorian aesthetic prevalent in many affluent households of the time reflects the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Originating in Britain, this movement championed integrity and humanistic production methods, drawing inspiration from nature and medieval art, and aimed to harmoniously integrate form and function.
The turtle-back table lamp serves not only as a decorative masterpiece but also as a tangible link to the mansion’s rich history and the era of artistic innovation that defined the Gilded Age. It reflects Tiffany’s dedication to pushing artistic boundaries, and its intricate design underscores the studio’s commitment to both form and function. The beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance of the Tiffany desk lamp makes it a captivating focal point within the Barker Mansion and an emblem of the era’s artistic innovation and luxury.
Louis Comfort Tiffany, a luminary in the artistic world, founded Tiffany Studios in New York in 1885, marking a pivotal moment in American design history. Transitioning from painting to decorative arts, Tiffany’s studio introduced lamp production in 1898, blending innovation and elegance in its creations.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Golbesky
