Antique Pendant Restoration - Shubert Theater
<< Previous | Main | Next >>

Designed by Albert Swazey and built by the H.E. Murdoch Construction Company, the Shubert Theatre is a cultural center point in New Haven, Conn. The 1,600 seat theater opened on December 11th, 1914 with the production The Belle of Bond Street. Since then, the theater has undergone many changes, including new owners, shutting down for a short period in the 1970’s, to being threatened with demolition. In December of 1983 the theater re-opened as a non-profit organization, and was a key element in the cultural revival of downtown New Haven. Today, the Shubert Theater is recognized as a historical icon.

When a 41-inch antique pendant plummeted 30 feet to the ground withstanding significant damage, the piece needed complete restoration. Grand Light was entrusted to ensure the piece be restored with supreme accuracy and craftsmanship.

The team recreated virtually every detail of the pendant to match with other adjacent pendants in the building. The intricate restoration project involved the recreation of numerous subtle details that could not be overlooked. Eight custom bent-glass panels were fabricated to replace the shattered originals. The European imported glass used is opalescent, ensuring that the light glows warmly and evenly from the pendant, as the original once did.

The fixture's frame was also reconstructed to match the original with elaborate designs wrapping around it, as were the fine detailed impressions on the filigree.