We recently carried out the careful on-site cleaning of a varied collection of antique and period lighting at a private residence in Notting Hill, London.
The Piece
The collection included three large bell lanterns, a painted metal chandelier, a beautiful old Swedish lozenge chandelier and a hall lantern. Each fitting required a different cleaning approach according to its construction, materials and accessibility.
Work Carried Out
- Careful hand dusting and surface cleaning of three large bell lanterns suspended approximately 15 feet above floor level
- Inside-and-out glass cleaning of the bell lanterns using an appropriate glass-cleaning solution
- Dusting and specialist non-ferrous metal polishing of a painted metal chandelier, protecting the painted finish
- Complete in-situ hand cleaning of an antique Swedish lozenge chandelier whose components could not be removed
- Hand cleaning of a hall lantern, treating the glass inside and out to restore clarity
Approach
Each piece was assessed before work began, taking into account its age, construction, materials, condition and accessibility. The bell lanterns required our largest access ladders. Where components could be removed they were cleaned at floor level; where they could not, as with the Swedish lozenge chandelier, all work was carried out carefully from the ladder in situ.
Outcome
This job is a good example of why there is no single method for cleaning antique chandeliers and period lighting. The age, construction, materials and condition of each fitting need to be considered before deciding upon the most appropriate cleaning method.
