Description

The Beardslee Chandelier Manufacturing Company of Chicago, founded by Frank S. Beardslee in 1901, was a major innovator in lighting and became one of the largest fabricators in the city.  Selling only to the trade, they published lavish, large catalogues every year (plus smaller specialty catalogues, like “fast-ship” products) which are of enormous interest today among collectors.  This illustration, though, is not a tattered catalogue.  Done in pen & ink with watercolors, it is a drawing of a chandelier intended for the choir room, part of a collection of drawings completed to supply all of the lighting fixtures for an unknown client.  Bearing the raised seal of the company (“Exclusive Rights Reserved”) and details regarding size, placement, and glass.  This is a beautiful and unique work of art and would be at home in a residence, an office, an architectural firm, a design firm, and more.