New Haven Museum Bohemian Crystal Chandeliers & Wall Sconces Restoration
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Grand Light was given the task of restoring two large Bohemian crystal chandeliers from the New Haven Museum and Historical Society. Established in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, the New Haven Museum is the second oldest historical organization in Connecticut. The founders were important civic figures in New Haven, including Roger Sherman Baldwin, John Warner Barber, Charles English, Thomas Trowbridge, Charles Ingersoll, and Henry Pardee. In 1929, the Historical Society hired the noted architect and architectural historian, Frederick Kelly, to create its current building, a masterpiece of the Colonial Revival Style that remains largely in its original condition.

The two 16-light custom chandeliers were manufactured in the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia and were installed when the building was built. The chandeliers' frames were silver plated, and in need of hand polishing. The crystal arms had experienced significant deterioration of the compound supporting the arms to the frame.

All metal surfaces of the chandeliers were polished and a UV resistant protective top coat was applied. All mechanical components were inspected and repaired as required, and all existing electrical components were replaced with UL listed products, rewired, and hi-pot tested. Crystals were replaced as appropriate. Missing components were fabricated to closely match the originals.

A temporary chandelier was supplied by Grand Light so that the museum's events would not be interrupted during the course of restoration.

The chandeliers were partially disassembled at the museum by Grand Light as a protective measure, insuring that each piece was meticulously packaged for transport to Grand Light's restoration facility.

Upon arrival, the chandeliers' delicate arms, center column and all remaining components were photographed and cataloged. The chandeliers were completely disassembled and all components were inspected for mechanical deficiencies and repaired as required, including the resetting of several damaged crystal arms.

Each crystal component experienced a thorough four-part cleaning process, including a final rinsing and hand polishing in order to regain the glorious luster of the chandeliers' 1929 debut.

The restoration process included the removal and the replacement of all original cloth insulated wiring and electrical components. All of the chandeliers were rewired in accordance with UL standards.

All components and partial assemblies were inspected and carefully packed for final assembly at the museum, including a hi-pot test of the electrical components on site.

Grand Light completed the chandeliers' final assembly on site, adding the decorative crystal prisms, pendalogues, and beaded chains; captivating their reflective splendor.

Following the successful completion of the two crystal chandeliers, Grand Light was asked to restore a number of wall sconces as well as a third crystal chandelier from the first floor of the musuem.

Lighting Consultant:
Ryan Stockman
Grand Light
1-800-922-1469
info@lightrestoration.com

Contact:
Contact:
Christine Schloss
New Haven Museum
(203) 562-4183

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