Dismantling a Large 44-Light Rococo Chandelier in Wallingford, Oxfordshire

G & P Cohn recently travelled to Wallingford, Oxfordshire, to dismantle and remove an exceptionally large 44-light Rococo-style chandelier.

Measuring approximately six feet high and five feet wide, the chandelier features elaborate gilt decoration, sweeping ornamental arms and a substantial central stem incorporating sculpted figures.

The chandelier was hanging in an outbuilding, suspended from an exposed timber beam. Its considerable size and weight meant that removing it required careful planning and a methodical approach.

The chandelier was suspended using an existing pulley system.

However, we were reluctant to lower the complete chandelier while it remained at its full weight, because of concerns about the load on the supporting beam.

Working as a two-person team from large ladders, we began by carefully removing several of the arms while the chandelier remained suspended.

Once some of the weight had been removed, we were able to lower the chandelier to a more manageable working height.

With the chandelier lowered, we began removing the remaining arms individually.

Before dismantling each section, we marked the position of the arms so that their original arrangement could be identified during eventual reassembly.

This was a particularly painstaking process because of the chandelier's size, the number of components and the elaborate decorative metalwork.

As the arms were removed, more of the central stem became visible, revealing its sculpted figures, scrolling ornamentation and gilt detailing.

Eventually, all the arms had been removed, leaving the central stem suspended on its own.

Even without its arms, the central stem weighed approximately 80kg.

We supported it using a carrying bar, allowing the two of us to move it carefully from the building to our vehicle.

The stem was then suspended securely inside the van, with particular attention paid to protecting its delicate projecting ornamentation during the journey.

The individual arms were packed separately for transportation.

The complete chandelier was then taken back to our workshop in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

Our initial instructions were to dismantle and collect the chandelier so that we could assess its condition and provide an estimate for the work required.

The proposed work will be assessed in three areas:

• Cleaning the chandelier and its decorative components.
• Identifying and estimating any necessary repairs.
• Assessing the chandelier's electrification requirements.

The customer is also undertaking refurbishment work at the property, so the chandelier's eventual return and reinstallation will be arranged at a later stage.

For now, the chandelier is at our Hoddesdon workshop awaiting the next phase of the project.

Large antique chandeliers require particular care during dismantling, transportation and reassembly.

Their weight, complex construction and delicate decorative components can make removal challenging, especially where access is restricted or the existing suspension arrangement requires careful consideration.

G & P Cohn has specialised in antique chandelier cleaning, restoration, repair and electrification since 1954.

We undertake projects ranging from individual domestic chandeliers to substantial historic fittings requiring careful dismantling and workshop attention.