Each epoch in Britain’s rich cultural heritage leaves behind its own distinct style of language, architecture, art and interior design.
We will explore how the heritage of lighting has adapted over periods of time, yet a nostalgia for heritage designs remains, is enduring and beautiful. What is distinct about British design and tastes?
We will look at how lighting has evolved from medieval lighting to Edwardian grandeur through to the iconic retro lighting of the 40’s and 50’s. Today we look at the charm and quality of our heritage and explore why British lighting is held in such high regard worldwide. So, what is a quintessentially British lighting style and fashion?
Period homes and properties can be darker, so bringing the right lighting into the design of a room is vital, especially lighting that meets the modern needs of the times.
We look at lighting which is inspired by British heritage with a 21st Century edge. A notable contemporary style honouring timeless design pieces is seen in lighting designs of today. We’re excited to share with you some of our top choices that epitomise our shared history and heritage.
National Trust heritage homes, properties and castles are remarkably popular, people come in their droves from all over the UK and beyond to visit them. The National trust owns over 56 villages in Britain and has over 5 million members and visitors in the region of 30 million (source; National Trust website).
Annual reports indicate that hundreds of millions are spent on conservation each year.
Some of you may own a listed home or cottage? Perhaps you are keen to emulate the style of the property’s origin in its interiors? Tying in complementing lighting to the style of property is a detail that can be easily overlooked. Lighting is often the focal point for a room’s decoration as well as providing illumination. We urge you to look up and consider, are you making the most of your lighting?
We wonder; why do we love the feeling of visiting country homes and houses across the UK? A vision of a perfectly preserved past is restored with careful attention paid to each detail, including restoration and sourcing of authentic replicas.
Have you ever wandered around a country home and thought to yourself, or said to the person you are with;
“Can you imagine living here?”
What would I be doing? As the scene builds from the garments and jewellery of the people hanging on the walls, it sets the scene for contemplation. Carefully positioned chairs, lights and rugs can feel like a stage in which you imagine the characters in the play.
For some it may be a feeling of walking in the same footsteps of those before us, appreciating history itself. For others it may be the immaculately consistent impression typical of interior designers of the past, such as William Morris, who would often create a whole look for a room, adorning it with cohesive lighting, furnishings and architecture. Compared to a pick ‘n’ mix of styles today which sees more of a separation of architects, artists and designers with a more narrow and specific focus of their own.
What do you feel when we are in period homes and properties? A time that pre-dates mass manufacturing and cherished possessions lovingly made by hand which are still standing the test of time. When they are careworn, we believe this only adds to their vintage charm.
The feeling evoked from a building or room may be imparted onto us. Sometimes it is just “a vibe”, a sense of the spirit of the times, or zeitgeist, like steeping into a time capsule which holds secrets of the past.
We can see in today’s lighting designs many different eras, but instead of being a thing of the past, these styles are not going anywhere, they have a timeless quality and instead of becoming extinct are re-imagined for today.
We can see a resurgence throughout British style history in multi-arm candelabra style chandeliers which instead of being adorned with candlelight are now purposed with bulb fittings.
Distinctly classic charm exudes from the structure and finish of the chandelier, re-purposed in a barn setting, offering an eclectic interior.
Formally, a preserve of the very wealthy, where animal fats and beeswax were used to bring some light and now, something we can all cherish and easily available with the flick of a switch and currently utilising LED technology.
Features of middle age design
• Wrought iron metalwork
• Spearheads
• Candle style features
• Tapestries
• Candelabra style chandeliers
• Earthy and rich colour schemes
• Rustic and fur textures
• Plaid-patterns
David Hunt Lighting
Age-old craftmanship, traditional technique is honoured in each hand-made bespoke light made in the Cotswold’s countryside by David Hunt’s Lighting collection of luxury designer lights.
David Hunt Lighting is a British light manufacturer specifically designed for lighting period homes and properties. Inspired by heritage yet cleverly adapted to present lighting requirements with a contemporary style edge. A tactile quality is bestowed into each detail with fine finesse and precision artistry. For a look that is quality assured.
Adding a touch of opulence with the gold metallic hard-backed linings of their luxurious silk shades. Coupled with sumptuous fur blankets and wood accents this collection will truly relax you. Perfect for older style properties or adding this country charm to more modern rooms.
Grand Georgian architecture across the UK especially in the cities of Bath and Oxford is home to a distinct style of heritage property. After the candelabra saw the rise in popularity of the chandelier, signifying a move from gas power of Victorian times to electricity interacting with design possibilities.
They are a grand focal point for rooms. Shown here is a classic Edwardian style chandelier, perfect for high ceilings. Made with silver and crystals it lights a room with an elegant sparkle, capturing and reflecting light with a mesmerising magnificence. Sure to delight your senses.
