Yale University Calhoun College Historic Lighting Restoration
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Yale University recently commissioned a full-scale renovation of the historic Calhoun College, located in New Haven, Connecticut. Due to the work previously done for Yale University by Grand Light, and the high level of satisfaction with the restoration of numerous lighting fixtures including the Marquand Chapel chandeliers, Dwight Hall pendants, and the Divinity School chandelier, our team of artisans were called in to begin the extensive lighting restoration job.

Formally established in 1932 at the corner of College St. and Elm St. in New Haven, CT, Calhoun College and its original light fixtures have been serving students and facility alike for almost four generations. The fixtures, originally fabricated out of brass, copper, iron, and other metals and designed in the traditional fashion, the fixtures include large chandeliers, wall sconces, outdoor hanging lanterns, and outdoor wall mounted lanterns.

Restoration work began immediately by our highly talented and skilled team of experts who were truly excited to begin another project for Yale University. Many of the fixtures were restored to their original state and cleaned, re-lamped, and wired in accordance with UL standards.

Grand Light provided all of the necessary packaging and crating materials for the contractor as a protective measure, insuring that each piece was adequately packaged for transport to Grand Light's restoration facility.

Upon arrival, the various lighting fixtures and components were photographed and cataloged. The fixtures were completely disassembled and all components were inspected for mechanical deficiencies and repaired as required including the fabrication of doors, chandelier arms, outdoor brackets, and some new bead blasted glass panels.

Each brass chandelier and wall sconce components experienced a thorough four-part refinishing process, including hand polishing and application of a UV resistant protective coat, returned the glorious luster of these decorative fixture's 1932 debut.

The restoration process included removal and replacement of all original cloth insulated wiring and electrical components. The fixtures were rewired and tested in accordance with UL standards.

All components and partial assemblies were inspected during and after final assembly, prior to fabrication of crating for the large chandeliers and during the meticulous packaging of the remaining 131 fixtures.

Following the completion of the restoration project, Grand Light was asked to replicate an ourdoor lighting fixture.

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 component's 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.

Grand Light's restoration artisans completed the project in advance of the project requirements and were pleased to be an integral part of restoring Yale University's Calhoun College decorative lighting fixtures to their original state of splendor.

Architect:
Newman Architects, LLC
New Haven, CT
(203) 772-1990

Lighting Consultant:
Atelier Ten
New Haven, CT
(203) 777-1400

Contractor:
Genovese & Massaro
Hamden, CT
(203) 230-9055

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