Shubert Theater Historic Lighting Restoration
<< 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, and once, 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.

Grand Light was selected to completely restore a large number of the original fixtures from the building, one large 60" pendant, including nine small flushmounts, 18 large flushmounts, 5 smaller pendants, and dozens of sconces. Due to the extensive detieration of the frames structural integrity and various repairs over the previous 94 years, the fixture's frames required a full restoration including fabrication and replacement of cast zing filigrees and vertical glass supports (missing and non-original), fabrication of glass alignment tabs and retainers, frame re-alignment and repair, and replacement of three damaged art glass panels with simliar glass in color and texture. The fixtures also required an application of a new gold finish to match the existing finish.

This is not the first time Grand Light has done work for the historic theater. A few years ago, Grand Light restored a 41-inch antique pendant that had fallen 30 feet to the floor.

The sconces were cleaned, re-wired, and given new sockets. The 17 flush-mounted ceiling fixtures had suffered broken panels and severe frame and cage damage over the years. Grand Light reshaped the fixtures by pulling the cages back out to their original shape without causing any further damage.

Missing components including interior straps which hold the glass in from the inside, decorative straps in which the glass sits on from the inside, and decorative filagree along the edges were replicated.

The new components were then pieced back together, duplicating the look of the original fixtures, yet greatly improving their strength.

The large 60" pendant, which featured 8 large glass panels, each consisting of several smaller panels, had begun to bend and suffer light leaks. Several of the glass panels had chipped or cracked and needed to be repaired or replaced. Original glass panels were reshaped and the replacement panels were fabricated. To eliminate any possibility of light leaks, the panels were lined with thin strips of lead. These "light leak shields" were held into place by small copper tabs.

To match the newly retouched finish of the frame, each chain was given a fresh coat of paint. The new wires of the fixture were painted as well so that they will be barely noticeable when the fixture is reinstalled To reduce the possibility that a chain could slip during future removals of the fixture, holes were drilled in the clips of the canopy to allow the chains were fastened with screws.

Work was completed in two phases. The wall sconces were individually hi-pot tested and the finishes were inspected and deemed satisfactory. Ceiling lighting fixtures including flush mounted fixtures and pendants were hi-pot tested and tested for light leaks. These fixtures were delivered to the Shubert Theater and installed.

About one month later, the large 60" diameter pendant was completed. Much like the other fixtures, it was given a hi-pot test and closely inspected for light leaks while fully illuminated and suspended in Grand Light's shop. Following inspection, each glass panel was removed and individually packed. The frame of the fixture was padded and strapped to a brace so the fixture would arrive safely at the Theater.

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

Contact:
Sheri Kaplan
Shubert Theater
(203) 624-1825

Page loading....

If taking too long, click here.