A pair of tiered contemporary chandeliers, each dressed with graduated Strass crystal teardrops, were cleaned at a private residence in North London. Atmospheric dust had settled across the drops and metalwork, reducing the refraction the crystal is cut to produce.
The Piece
Two matching tiered chandeliers in contemporary form, dressed throughout with leaded Strass crystal teardrops on a metal frame.
Work Carried Out
- Survey of the frames, suspension chains and electrical fittings
- Partial dismantling of the tiers to access each drop
- Hand cleaning of every crystal with a residue-free solution
- Polishing of the metal framework
- Reassembly with each teardrop returned to its original sequence and alignment
- Final levelling and electrical check
Approach
Each tier was opened in turn rather than dismantling the chandeliers entirely, preserving the original arrangement of drops. Cleaning was carried out by hand throughout, with attention paid to even weight distribution to avoid stressing the suspension.
Outcome
Both chandeliers were returned to a uniform clarity, the graduated teardrops once again refracting light across the room. The frames and fittings remain unaltered. Related contemporary cleaning projects include a chrome spiral chandelier in Kent and a contemporary crystal fitting in West London.
