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Grand Light Completes Custom Lighting Fixtures for Port Arthur School of Performing Arts

2012-01-19T20:14:01Z

Port Arthur, TX - Grand Light was contacted by Port Arthur Independent School District - School of Performing Arts, in regards to restoring some light fixtures in the main Lobby of the establishment. After considerations, it was decided to create new fixtures to accommodate the upgraded look of the Lobby.

The project required 10 flush mount fixtures and 5 pendant lights with similar design. The fixtures were drafted by Grand Light and sent for the client's approval. Samples for glass and finish were sent as well, and the client approved the combination of acrylic bowl bleached honey onyx, and a mahogany bronze finish. All the fixtures accommodate CFL lamps, and were wired in accordance to UL standards.

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Drawings for both type fixtures
Flush mount fixture installed
Pendant light fixture installed
View of Lobby

Gowanda Theater Luminaries Transported to Grand Light Facility

2012-01-16T17:55:54Z

Gowanda, NY - Grand Light has been contracted to do the work for the Gowanda Historic Hollywood Theater lighting restoration project. Over the weekend the Grand Light team drove through the blizzard to upstate NY to pick up the carefully packed fixtures and transport them back to our New Haven facility, were their condition will be assessed by Grand Light professionals.
]]> After the evaluation of each luminary, Grand Light will photograph it and document their recommendations. All the fixtures will be thoroughly cleaned, restored, rewired in accordance with UL standards. Some fixtures will need glass replacements that will closely match the original.

The theater is undergoing a large scale restoring processThe mounting point of one of the wall sconces that will be restored. Grand Light makes sure to photograph such mounting spaces in order to analyze the required mounting hardwareThe boxes are loaded in to the trailerThe boxes are carefully unloaded

With a total of 72 luminaries of different sizes, there are quite a lot boxes

The light fixtures safely waiting in Grand Light workshop while the facility is prepared for them

Grand Light Begins Finial Casting Project at Columbia University

2012-01-12T17:04:47Z

New York, NY - Columbia University was founded in 1754 and it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth in the United States. Over the years, the University expanded and changed locations, until in 1897, President of the University, Seth Low, built the Morningside Heights campus, as part of his grand design for an ideal University. This campus, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is where Columbia University prospers to these days.

Grand Light was contracted by Columbia University to reproduce lighting components on existing lamp posts throughout the Morningside campus.

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Grand Light will cast bronze finial components for 15 of the existing lamp posts, as well as supply new 18" globes and replace sockets when needed. There are 7 additional lamp post with intact finial, for which Grand Light will replace the globes and sockets.

The bronze finials are made up of 5 components: finial base, finial bottom, finial top, finial ball, and an eagle. Every component will need a separate mold for the casting. After casting, patina will be applied to match existing post finish.

Last week, Grand Light crew went to remove a sample finial. The finial was removed from a post in front of Fayerweather Hall, and brought back to Grand Light facility in New Haven.

Removal of the sample finial

Removed parts (globe and finial)

Lamp posts without complete finial

Items brought back to Grand Light workshop

The five elements of the finial

Outdoor Fixture Restoration for the Lionheart Gallery

2011-12-27T14:39:33Z

New Haven, CT - The Lionheart Art Gallery in Scotts Corner, New York, contacted Grand Light to restore three outdoor fixtures. Two of the fixtures are identical wall mounted lanterns, 24" in height, these need to be cleaned, have glass replaced and a replacement bottom finial on one of them. The third fixture is about 30" in height and has suffered severe damage from the elements. After an extended inspection of the large third fixture, it was revealed that it suffers from a faulty design that allowed the fixture to retain water, making the damage even worse. Grand Light decided to completely reconstruct the fixture with modifications to prevent any further retention of water.

After first cleaning and braising the large fixture, some of the original damaged metal was replaced by newly fabricated metal parts, and solder was used to fill large holes in the basic frame of the fixture. The fixture door was also sand blasted and the hinges completely replaced.

The restoration work on these fixtures continues.

The fixtures in the Lionheart Gallery before they were sent to Grand Light

Cleaning the small fixtures, the cracks were braised and patina infill will be applied to match the existing

The bottom and part of the frame were removed due to severe damage

The iron was braised in very high heat and holes were covered in metal and soldered

Replacement part were brought in to complete the fixture

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Arts and Crafts Lanterns Phase 1 Complete

2011-12-16T15:07:05Z

New Haven, Ct - Grand Light has completed the fabrication of stage one in the custom Arts and Crafts lanterns project. This stage included two types of outdoor wall mounted lanterns, and two sizes of post mounted lanterns. These lanterns were delivered yesterday to the client's residence in NY.
]]> Grand Light will now continue with the next stage of the project that includes fabricating the 10 large indoor column sconces and 2 large entry foyer and side entry fixtures of this custom home. While the indoor lantern have the same style as the outdoors lanterns, their look will be more refined by omitting the rivet detail, and using a warmer mission brown finish as opposed to natural copper.

The lanterns were delivered to the client's residence were they will be installedA view from the top shows the rivet detail and the thumbscrews that hold the roof of the fixtures in place

Grand Light to Restore Gowanda Historic Hollywood Theater Luminaries

2011-12-13T17:49:27Z

New Haven, Ct - Grand Light has been contracted for the restoration of the lighting fixtures of the Gowanda Historic Hollywood Theater in Gowanda, NY.
]]> The Gowanda Hollywood Theater, Gowanda NY, opened on April 16, 1926. It was designed by the renowned architects Leon Lempert and Son of Rochester. It hosted live performances, vaudeville shows and motion pictures. It boasted marble floors, ornate plaster designs, softly lit ceiling dome and 990 seats.

In 1992, after many years of entertainment, the theater closed its doors. Water, weather and lack of heat damaged the building. Fortunately, in the mid 1990's, the Gernatt Family of Companies purchased the theater and donated it to the Gowanda community. Today, the Gowanda's Historic Hollywood Theater Ltd., a non-profit organization that was created for this purpose, runs the extensive restoration of the theater, striving to return it to its original glory.

Grand Light was selected to completely restore the theater's light fixtures. Among the fixtures are 12 floral accented wall sconces, 5 large flower shaped recessed lighting, more than twenty pendant lights of different sizes, and 13 exit signs. Grand Light will clean all the components and re-wire them to meet current electrical codes. We will also apply paint as needed and replace broken or missing glass with glass that will match the originals.

We are currently in the submitals phase, preparing for the restoration.

Here are some of the fixtures before restoration as they were photographed in the Gowanda Hollywood Theater

Custom Arts and Crafts Lanterns

2011-12-09T15:01:36Z

Grand Light was contacted to fabricate several large custom outdoor and indoor arts and crafts style lanterns for a private up-scale residence in New York. Theses fixtures will give a graceful uniform appearance to the interior and exterior of the home, while being varied in type and size. ]]> This project includes two large outdoor entry fixtures, 11 outdoor wall mounted lanterns varying in size, ranging from 19" to 24" in height. There will be 4 column mounted fixtures that are designed to match the fixtures being fabricated for the walls and the front entries. Custom backplates will be fabricated 2 of the wall mounted lanterns in order to accommodate angel mounting on the back side of the home. All the outdoor fixtures have slanted sides and a mansard top, and will have pronounced riveting detail that will give them a raw look. All the pieces have either a removable top or a removable bottom held in place by thumbscrews. For the inside of the home, 10 large wall fixtures will be fabricated that range in size of 24" to 19". These lanterns are designed to highlight features of the large windows installed in the home.

All of the custom outdoor lanterns are designed in the Arts and Crafts style and are made in copper with amber mica glass panels, and will not receive any patina finish. A protective coating of lacquer is applied to the Mica panels to help protect them from the elements. The indoor fixtures will have a brown patina applied to metal to achieve an antiqued look on the interior of the home and will also have the amber mica panels. The lantern designs were drafted by Grand Light (see below) and Cardboard mockups were created to serve as a working sample as to what the client was expecting. Having the items in realistic sizes and look can help the client visualize how it will look on his property. When all the details were approved, fabrication started.

The natural copper and amber mica combination
A sketch of an outdoor column mounted fixture that will be mounted on the stone wall that follows the driveway into the house.
A wall mounted outdoor lantern. Some designs sport a custom backplate that allows mounting in a 45 degrees angle
The indoor lanterns which will be mounted on interior columns in a large over living area inside the home.
The large hanging fixture is designed to flow with the designs on the wall mounted exterior lanterns and the column mounted lanterns. This fixture will hang in the entry foyer and a smaller version will hang at a second entry point to the home.Shown are cardboard mock-ups that were presented as a basis for the design, prior to the fabrication of the actual fixtures.Shown is a large front entry door wall mounted fixture.

Saenger Theater Chandelier Completed

2011-11-18T16:27:16Z

Mobile Al - The Grand Light crew and truck arrived on a rainy day to the Saenger Theater where several of the theater personnel were waiting to help unload the chandelier pieces and bring them inside. ]]> For this project a thorough inspection took place, in which we found mechanical failures in the structure, faulty wiring, and deterioration of all the components. The components had to be individually restored. Metal surfaces were bead blasted, the crystal strands had to be re-weaved and the gilt surfaces had to be cleaned and re-gild. We used protective materials to coat the restored components to help prevent future damage.

The fixture had to be completely rewired in order to comply with UL standards. In the final step of the wiring process, all circuits and components were hi-pot and load tested.

The assembly was done inside the theater and took two days. The outer ring was first installed, followed by the spindles and crystal baskets. The fixture was tested and inspected at each step. When assembly was complete, the chandelier was lifted up, while local media recorded the historical event.

Finally, hours and hours of dedicated restoration work came to an end, and this truly grand chandelier will once again illuminate the Saenger Theater.

The truck arrived safely to Mobile.

The parts were removed from their packaging and spread on the floor in the order they will be needed. The large outer ring is placed on two rows of seats. Pieces of wood and bubble wrap make sure it will not damage the seats.

The outer ring is inspected. (in red the ring before restoration)

The spindles are added, followed by more testing and more light- bulbs. The fixture is now up to code. (in red, the structure before restoration, wiring not up to code)

The crystal baskets are added around the main structure. (in red, before the crystal strands had many flaws, they were crochet with stainless steel wire when restored)

Another inspection to make sure all is right. The crew then uses cleaning supplies to remove any finger prints or dirt from the chandelier.

The chandelier is then ready to be lifted up. (in red, the fixture when it was removed)

(in red is the dissassembly of the bottom basket)

The spectacular fixture is in it's place and looks flawless. Another restoration project by Grand Light comes to a happy end.

Grand Light In Route to Redeliver the Saenger Theatre Crystal Chandelier

2011-11-12T18:06:05Z

New Haven, Ct - With the completion of the restoration work done on the Saenger Theater chandelier, the fixture was tested and carefully packed for it's trip back to Mobile Alabama. The Grand Light team loaded the precious pieces on the truck and went on the long trip to Alabama, where they will reassemble the chandelier inside the theater.
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We built special crates for the delivery of the fragile crystal basket

Grand Light team carefully loads the 3 parts that make up the crystal basket

Smaller parts and the central stem are bubble wrapped and loaded

Finally, the 10 ft in diameter large gilded ring is loaded and everything is secured to the truck to assure safe delivery

Holy Trinity Orthodox Chandelier Delivered and Installed

2011-09-13T15:41:36Z

New Haven, Ct - The chandelier which hangs in the center of the Holy Trinity Orthodox church in New Britain, Ct has been reinstalled at the church by Grand Ligth Artisans where it will be enjoyed by many of the parish for years to come.

Originally, The up light that was included with the chandelier, which was a copper lamp shade look, was to be modified to accommodate sockets capable of shooting light up. It was then decided that the complete top of the fixture be modified and a custom configuration be created.

Checholovikan crystals were incorporated into the newly crafted graduated chains to closely match the original. Several decorative crystal stars, bells, and leafs were sourced and replaced, filling the crystal voids on the chandelier for years.

Grand Light artisan as she is re-aligning the upper tier of crystal strands.

Pictured is the completed chandelier during the Grand light Unveil.

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Restoration Of the Saenger Theater Chandelier nearing Completion

2011-09-03T14:02:31Z

New Haven, Ct - The restoration of the large chandelier which suspends from the center of the ceiling of the Saenger Theater is nearing completion. This fixture has undergone several steps during the restoration. Nearly every component on this chandelier has been refinished, and the final product is simply stunning. Shown are pictures of the lighting clusters which suspend from the bottom of the chandeliers main column and outer ring which are concealed by the large crystal sectionals. Each of the lighting components on these clusters were removed, bead blasted, cleaned, then they received a coat of primer, two top coats of paint, and two top coats of a protective lacquer and then re-wired. The inner part on the ring was re-finished using the same steps as the clusters, however the outer ring and center shaft were re-gilded in certain parts, and original guild had been conserved in other areas where it was possible. They were then re-wired as well. The center shaft, ring and lighting clusters were wired with four separate circuits, using UL listed components. As the final step in the wiring process, all circuits and components were tested in accordance with UL standards.

Grand Light artisan wiring and inspecting the cluster components in preparation of testing.

Two of the central clusters are assembled in preparation of additional testing. Note: All of the electrical connections are terminated with wire nuts, two layers of shrink tubing, and a electrical tie wrap to secure these connections.

Clusters are re-attached and undergoing Hi-Pot test to assure there are no electrical short comings in any of the electrical components and overall assembly.

This is the large gilded outer ring with 48 lamp sockets is hi-pot and load tested.

After testing is complete, the assemblies and smaller components are packaged with protective materials awaiting delivery and on site assembly.

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Restoration continues on the Saenger Theater Chandelier

2011-08-24T18:19:24Z

New Haven, CT - After shop evaluation of the chandelier, it was determined that all of the finishes on the components are in various stages of failure and or deterioration. All of the aluminum painted surfaces have failed with rust, oxidation and pitting present. The large crystal basket inner frames and outer edges need to be refinished. All of the other bar stock on the cage needs to be touched up where possible without the removal of over 10,000 crystal beads. Additionally, all of the crystal beads strands are in need of re-weaving to the cage. This crochet process requires approximately 32 hours of delicate weaving per cage with stainless steel wire prior to refinishing.

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In their current state, cleaning of these components will result in a marginal results to the enhancement of the look of the chandelier so it was decided that each component be refinished. The Crystal Basket frame and Lighting Spindle consisting of steel and brass components. Grand Light Artisans will Bead Blast all steel surfaces (except those supporting crystal in the large baskets) and apply a rust preventive primer and two coats of aluminum paint and a protective lacquer top coat. This fixture originally had a painted silver interior finish thus optimizing the crystal reflectance in combination of the gilded finish, which will also be reworked. The armature consists of a cylindrical crown with acanthus-form ornamentation; from this issue six chains and a shaft that holds a central barrel of eight inches in height and ten feet in diameter with roping at top and bottom. At present, all gilt surfaces show signs of damage; scratches and losses exist throughout. Grand Light artisans will clean all of the gilded surfaces and re-gild all lost passages of chandelier; apply transparent protective coating and retouch with pigments and glazes to achieve artistic unity.

Pictured is the crown of the chandelier. Surfaces were cleaned and removed of rust and grit. Primer was added and then painted antique gold, to match the gilded surface.

This is the bottom light assembly which has some brass and steel componets. All have been refinished.

This is the bottom components where all of the lighting spindals will connect.

The crystal basket upper frame and outer edges need to be refinished. All of the other bar stock on the cage needs to be touched up where possible without the removal of the crystal beads.Bottom of Form

Each of the three large crystal baskets are being re-waeved as a precautionary measure over the existing weaving with 22 guage stainless steel wire. This delacite process requires over 2500 individual weaves attaching the crystals to the frames.

Refinished lighting spindales in staging ready to be re-wired.

Light spindal components being rewired.

Grand Light artisans cleaning and preparing the surface for glazing.

Shown are components on the top canopy. The originals had sustained significant water damage and were completely refinished with new leaf and color matching patinas prior to application of a protective top coat.

Grand Light artisans are applying initial layer of new leaf.

The original gilding around the sockets due to heat had deteriorated to the point of flaking upon cleaning and required two layers of gilding on the ring vertical flat surfaces while the rope banding was glazed and color matched with patinas while retaining some of the orginal gilding

Emphasis on attention to every detail includes leafing the outer edges of the new sockets and screws, thus insuring artistic unity. This focus on detail included all metal surfaces that were refinished with paints and patinas.

Saenger Theater Chandelier Restoration Begins

2011-08-06T17:53:10Z

New Haven, CT - After initial project evaluation and documentation, the Grand Light team has begun the restoration of the large chandelier which showcases the center of the Saenger Theater in Mobile Alabama.]]>

This chandelier will undergo several processes during the course of its restoration. The first steps are the evaluation of the fixture, finish, electrical and mechanical condition and the disassembly of all components for mechanical inspection and re-wiring. This chandelier is a large ring measuring approx 10 feet in diameter with a center shaft that measures approx 8 feet tall. At the bottom of the large ring there are three steel frames with over 10,000 faceted crystal graduated chains. Initial inspection discovers in access of 125 mechanical failures within the crystal support frames. Each of these failures will require replacement of existing wire and solder with new stainless steel wire and heat penetration solder. This fixture has approx 163 lamp sockets in four separate clusters, all of which will be re-wired using UL listed components and tested in accordance with UL standard.

Pictured is the ring and center shaft, cleaned and striped of all previous electrical components.

Grand Light artisan cleaning the inner portion of the 10' diameter decorative ring in preparation of applying a protective finish and new electrical wiring and components.

Removal of the internal lighting cluster in preparation of cleaning and rewiring. Each lighting cluster arms required removal with high heat to soften the original thread hardner.

Grand light artisan at work preparing the crystal baskets metal surfaces to accept the stainless steel wire and solder repair for the 125 mechanical failures.

Each of these failures required replacement of existing wire and solder with new stainless steel wire and heat penetration solder.

Chandelier extreme lower frame holds the individual crystal drops. This frame required mechanical realignment and refinished to match the original finish. A protective museum grade lacquer is applied on all metal surfaces to ensure decades of metal protection.

Above is the top mounting canopy and main support armature. Through the years it has experienced serious water damage to the point the 20% of the steel shaft wall has deteriorated. This entire canopy and hanging system will be reconstructed.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Crystal Chandelier Restoration nearing Completion

2011-08-04T18:28:37Z

New Haven, Ct - After weeks of structural repairs, modifications, cleaning, and rewiring, The large crystal chandelier for the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in nearly complete and ready to be re-assembled in the church by the Grand Light team. ]]>

This chandelier required several steps in its restoration. The entire fixture was cleaned and a protective coat of uv resistant renaissance wax was hand applied. Each crystal component was inspected and where necessary, re-pinned. In several instances the crystal graduated chains were damaged and many repairs preformed over the years with household items. These chains were corrected and an additional 11 sets of graduated chains were fabricated to replace missing chains. The entire fixture was rewired using UL listed components and was tested in accordance with UL standards. The massive brass chain supporting the fixture had layers of paint which were removed and was sprayed with lacquer to preserve its natural aged brass finish. There were minor structural issues with the frame, such as wire ties supporting components and broken arms. All of which were corrected in accordance with the standards utilized during its original fabrication. Significant modifications were made to the top portion of the chandelier where was designed to provide up light into the churches decorative dome. Grand light designed a discreet and functional three light system to provide an enhanced and controllable lighting approach for the dome.

Shown in this picture is the upper tier of the chandelier. There are various stars that have been added as they had been vacant in those areas for years. Also shown are the connections of multiple circuits, and the attention to the detail in order to assure that these circuits are not compromised.

Shown here is the completed frame and the modified down light. This fixture will next be packaged and loaded in to the Grand Light Trailer to be delivered to the church, as well as re-assembled on site.

Pictured are the results of the cleaning, striping and application of the lacquer top coat to the existing chain.

Shown is the modified canopy which will allow the church to accent their decorative dome which is directly above the chandelier

The cleaned crystal strands from the upper and lower tiers of the chandelier is inspected and re-pinned where necessary.

Show are the complete strands prior to being packed up for delivery and re-assembly at the church.

Grand Light Removes Chandelier from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and Prepares Restoration

2011-07-20T20:20:09Z

New Haven, C.T - Grand light has been contracted to restore a beautiful crystal chandelier for the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in New Britain, C.T. ]]>

Grand Light has removed the hanging crystal chandelier from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and is preparing the chandelier for a full restoration, which will return the chandelier to its original luster. Grand Light will be cleaning and conserving the fixture's original brass finish. Missing crystal components will be replaced. Inspection and repair or replacements of all mechanical defects will also take place, in addition to new electrical components, wiring and UL testing.

The chandelier as it stood in Holy Trinity, prior to restoration.

Grand Light professionals remove the chandelier with professional care.

Chandelier is being safely wrapped and prepared for transit to Grand Light facilities.

Chandelier is carefully placed in the truck and ready for transit to Grand Light facility.

The chandelier is going to be cleaned, rewired and will have all of the missing components replaced with similar components to the original ones.