What Is a Fairy Lamp?
Fairy lamps are a type of lamp that were created in the late 1800s as a way to hold candles while they burned. Fairy lamps became more common with the first invention of container candles. Before the invention of candles held in containers, most candles were taper candles. Fairy lamps are still collected by antique collectors today, both for their beauty, and because they were in production for only a few short years. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The first fairy lamp was invented by Samuel Clarke. Clarke was a candlemaker who first patented the fairy lamp in December 1885. The fairy lamp was possibly thus named because of the twinkling effect that the candle had on the top dome of the lamp. Fairy lamps were very common between the 1880s and the 1920s. After the 1920s they fell out of favor, due to the use of gas lamps and electric lights. The fairy lamp ceased production in the 1940s, although the Fenton Art Glass Company resumed production of the lamps in the 1950s.
Uses
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Fairy lamps were first used as a safer way to store candles while they burned. The candle was placed inside the lamp and a small dome was placed over the candle while it was lit. Fairy lamps were usually used as table top candle holders. The lights were also used as a form of home decoration when not in use as a candle during the day.
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Size
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Fairy lamps vary in size. Some lamps are no higher than 3 to 5 inches tall, while others are much larger. Some fairy lamps were set into a candelabra shape with several different lamps held in one base. Most fairy lamps are no wider than 6 to 8 inches.
Description
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A fairy lamp usually looks like a small, oblong dome. Many fairy lamps are made of pastel colored glass. Pinks, blues, greens and golds are hallmark colors of fairy lamps. In most cases the surface of the glass is textured, with small bubbles, lines or molded shapes. Some fairy lamps made later in the production years were smooth, with swirled glass. Others are made of etched glass with pictures of landscapes or trees.
Modern Uses
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Since fairy lamps were made for such a short period of time, they have become a collector's item. There are clubs and forums dedicated to the preservation, collection and dating of all fairy lamps. Fairy lamps are rarely used to hold candles anymore, but are often used as curiosity objects.
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