Minute Man National Historical Park Crystal Chandelier Restoration
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The restoration team from Grand Light traveled to Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts to remove a crystal chandelier in need of restoration, rewiring, and repair. The chandelier has been on display in the Stedman Buttrick House, which serves as the park's headquarters and visitors' center for the historic North Bridge.

The 971-acre park receives over one million visitors every year, who come to see important sites associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution. Congress established the park in 1959 to preserve and protect areas such as the first four miles of the Battle Road, where Colonists fired upon British troops as they returned from Boston, and the place where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired. The park also preserves The Wayside, where 19th century authors kept the spirit of the Revolution alive by creating uniquely American literature.

The Stedman Buttrick House was constructed in 1911, but the date of the chandelier is unknown. Over time, the crystal chandelier had lost its luster due to grime, dirt, and metal oxidation. The wiring had become brittle and unsafe. It originally had twelve arms, although only nine were attached to the chandelier at the time of removal. The park had the two missing arms, and each was broken. Some spears and crystal chains were also missing from the fixture.

Three glass globes with intricate patterns were missing from the crystal chandelier and had to be replicated. In addition, missing and broken glass arms were replicated as well as eight large crystal chains with baguette, octagon, and heavy plain spearhead crystal pendalogues.

Following removal and partial dissasembly on site at the park, the chandelier was driven to Grand Light's restoration workshop, where the chandelier's delicate arms, center column and all remaining components were photographed and cataloged. The chandelier was then completely disassembled and all components were inspected for mechanical deficiencies.

Eight of the chandelier's twelve original crystal chains were missing, and needed to be replaced. The existing original crystals were incorporated into a striking pattern of 63mm baguettes, and 30mm oval jewels. The new crystals were machine cut and polished from the Czech Republic. The new crystal chains alternate between lengths of 43 inches and 47 inches, containing an evenly distributed combination of original and new crystal components.

Over time, the chandelier's silver plated metal components had lost their luster due to grime, dirt, and metal oxidation. To restore these components to their original state, each piece needed to be individually buffed and hand polished. Several of the silver plated components have been spot-plated as needed, and coated with a protective clear UV-resistant extended life lacquer.

In addition, three glass arms, three glass globes, and two components which hold the globes were replicated. Once all original components restored and new replications completed, the arms and frame of the chandelier were wired and packed seperately for transportation back to the park.

Once all components were ready to be re-assembled, Grand Light's team met with park officials on-site to reinstall the chandelier. Each of the glass arms were individually wired to the frame, and then dressed with the new crystal chains. A hi-pot test of the electrical components was conducted on site.

With the project completed, the restored chandelier's original beauty has been preserved and it now hangs in Stedman Buttrick House visitor center, where it can be seen by the one million visitors who come to the park every year to see important sites associated with the American Revolution.

Lighting Consultant:
Steve Stockman
Grand Light
1 (800) 922-1469
info@lightrestoration.com

Contact:
Carol L. Valiton
Purchasing Agent
Minute Man National Historical Park
(978) 318-7820

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