Outdoor lighting fixture replicated for Yale's Calhoun College

The original fixture had been cleaned, repaired and rewired as a part of a large restoration project Grand Light had completed for Yale University in 2008.  The original verdigris patina had been preserved to allow the fixture to retain its historic charm.

In order to accurately replicate the fixture, the original had to be completely dissembled.  New components for the bracket of the replicated fixture were fabricated in cast bronze utilizing a sand mold.  Each component was then antiqued to match the original components verdigris patina.

To replicate the glass panels, a the original pattern was traced and applied to a sheet of seedy glass, and then cut into individual pieces. The edges of the glass pieces were then wrapped with adhesive copper tape, and soldered together along adjacent copper strips. The copper pieces were then antiqued to match the patina of the original fixture. This method, known as the copper foil method, is a contemporary variation of a technique that's been used by artisans since the Middle Ages. 

The frame of the fixture was fabricated from a sheet of brass.  With all replicated components complete, the frame, glass panels, and cast bronze bracket were assembled into a perfect replication of the original, and wired in accordance with UL standards.  The fixture was hi-pot tested, and then carefully inspected for historical accuracy.

Both the original fixture and the replication were then safely packed and have been brought back to Yale University to be installed.

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About Grand Light:

Grand Light has restored, replicated and manufactured custom lighting fixtures at every scale, including various projects at Yale University,  the Lincoln Square Theater in Decatur, IL., The Otesaga Resort and Hotel in Cooperstown, NY., The Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT., and other prestigious projects nation wide.

Located at 580 Grand Avenue, New Haven, Conn., Grand Light has been serving the interior and exterior lighting needs of homeowners and professionals since 1929.