Sciolari chandelier ’Ovali’ 12 lights, silver with optical crystals, 1970’s ca, Italian

Sciolari chandelier (’Ovali’ design) consisting of 12 lights on a chrome frame decorated with 42 optical crystals, 1970’s ca, Italian. This chandelier has been gently cleaned while respecting the vintage patina. It is newly rewired & earthed with 4 metres of grey silk cable & 12 new lamp holders. It is fully working, PAT tested by an electrician and ready to install. Light bulbs are included in this price. This chandelier can work with a dimmer. It is possible to use this light in other countries although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity. Vintage Gaetano Sciolari chandeliers are known for the quality of the crystals & originality of design. In this case the traditional canopy shaped chandelier is given a Modern twist with optical crystals & geometric forms. This design is a balance between Neoclassical references to the traditional chandelier and the Brutalist & Futuristic styles of the 70’s. The combination of these styles makes this chandelier a unique addition to a range of interiors such as Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, 70’s Glamour, Traditional or Contemporary. Surprisingly the entire chandelier extends and hangs from a small chrome cylinder near the top of the frame. This cylinder has a flat bottom & decorative finial. The very nature of this ’suspended’ design gives this large chandelier a light & ethereal quality. From the centre cylinder there are 6 long arms rising as well as dropping far below. The top of these arms rise to a small crown while the end of the arms hold a huge crown. Hanging from this large crown is a canopy of 2 tiers. Each chrome or canopy has an ‘engraved’ pattern alternating with optical crystals; at the top the crystals are oval while at the bottom they are circular within a ring. Where each arm joins the canopy there is a lamp holder facing upwards, for a total of 6. Each of these sits on a decorative candle cup and is covered by removable silver metal candle tube. Fitted in the middle portion of each arm, there are 6 lamp holders in an alternating pattern: 3 facing downwards & 3 towards the centre. The former are covered with removable silver metal candle tubes while the latter are in silver metal finish but slightly smaller in size. This distribution of the 12 lights provides an even illumination along the piece. Each lamp holder carries one standard E14 light bulb up to 40 Watts. At present photographed & fitted with Candle clear light bulbs of 25 Watts which are included in the price. Other E14 bulb shapes could be used for a different look. The medium & bottom tiers hang from the bottom side; attaching to the 6 arms by small link silver chains. Both repeat the pattern of the main canopy of alternated circular optical crystals with silver metal frames. The medium tier has 12 crystals & the bottom tier has 6 crystals. There is a total of 36 round optical & 6 oval optical crystals in this chandelier. These are of high quality, typical for Sciolari designs, and beautifully reflect the light. The crystals are easily removable for cleaning or transport. From the topside of the main body there is a silver metal ring. From this there is a silver tone metal chain hanging from the ceiling cup of the same colour. Inside there is an ‘S’ hook to hang to the ceiling. The chain can be shortened or lengthened if needed. This vintage chandelier is in very good condition and sound construction. The frame is chrome plated brass, original and in good condition, with some rubbing in places in line with age. It has a warm antique patina but no oxidation. The crystal shades are all in very good condition; there are no major chips and only 3 tiny nibbles hardly noticeable. Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care in packing. For safe transport, the crystals would be removed and the frame wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap, foam & soft card. The crystals will be packed separately. Both frame & crystals would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing peanuts ideal for safe posting. Additional dimensions: The total Height of the chandelier with the chain is 130 cm. The Height of the frame (canopy with crystals) without the chain is 75 cm. GAETANO SCIOLARI BIOGRAPHY While Sciolari Lighting has been around since 1892, it was their most famous offspring, Gaetano Sciolari, who went on to design for Italian manufacturer Stilnovo in the 1950’s.