Early Chandelier Energy Forms

The development of new energy sources has had a profound influence on the design of our surroundings. Of course, this also applies to the chandelier. A chandelier designed for gas light must obey completely different rules to one designed for wax candles. In the long run electric light, which in the meantime lights up almost every chandelier including old adaptations, has shown itself to be the most flexible. The lighting of the crystal chandelier which emerged in the time of Louis XIV began with wax candles. The so-called “illumination” of large ballrooms was reserved for the aristocracy and was already an expensive business at that time because it required huge numbers of wax candles. All the lights were lit with a slow match which was carried from chandelier to chandelier and candle to candle. At the latest when the candles had burnt out the party was finished. However, this illumination was only for special occasions, in everyday life one made do with wall holder and candelabra which were everywhere. The crystal chandeliers were thus for most of the time more hanging decoration than lighting.