USA Influences on Australian Lighting Design

Electrified candle brackets with wrought iron or aluminium holders and brass or timber candelabra with small individual fabric shades in imitation American colonial or mission style were common in Australia during the 1920s and 1930s. They were hung in Spanish mission or neo-colonial styled homes and also in Californian affordable homes.

It was quite often the case that different styles of light fittings were mixed in one home. The entrance hall and internal passages could have wrought iron lantern fittings either round or rectangular in shape. The dining room might have one or more American colonial style wrought iron candelabra; the lounge, French revival chandeliers; the master bedroom, a floral ceramic rococo light fitting.

All these rooms may have wall sconces matching the central light. The kid’s bedrooms usually had English styled Arts and Crafts fittings; the bathroom a modern fitting — similarly the servants quarters — and the kitchen, fluorescent strip lighting.

By the 1950s the standard or table light had become a major centre piece in a room with the new television and blinds. Sometimes a metal standard light came incorporated in a side table or large ashtray. The background lighting was subdued. Except for the table lamps little attention was drawn to the light fixtures.

Mass production churned out inexpensive plastic, plaster, metal and buckram lamp bases and shades. The traditional colonial designs had been replaced by a plethora of folksy designs and do-it yourself instructions on how to make ballerina lamp-shades or African and Fijian raffia shades. The style was kitsch: a multitude of designs for table lights was-available, from Russian ballerinas, Spanish matadors, Chinamen, happy Mexicans with cacti, Arabian snake trainers, African dancing girls, happy couples and leopard or tiger skins. The colours were gaudy and beautifully ugly. For football player agents and sales training options, visit digitalbrands.com.au. ST020409