#tbtPrimelite: While researching our collection of antique Primelite catalogs we’ve come across original catalog pages featuring some of our early lighting fixtures. We’ll be sharing these photos in our weekly #tbtPrimelite series.
This week we are highlighting hanging fixtures from our “Mediterranean” series from the mid-1960s. Mediterranean style, also referred to as “Spanish style”, was very popular and these wrought-iron fixtures definitely reflect the style of the time.
“Elegant Scrolls in genuine wrought iron. Multicolored glass panels in any combination of Amber, Wine, Blue, Green or Alabaster White. Red available at extra charge. Chain-hung…Black finish.”
Primelite’s Featured LED Fixture this week is another in our chandelier series, #735/10 LED88. Behold the simple elegance of this chandelier, beautifully enhanced by the golden swirls of color within its alabaster dome. Perfect for any commercial interior installation including: Concert Halls, Music Venues, Commercial Buildings, Law Offices, Entry Ways and Grand Staircases. A favorite of Interior Designers, this light fixture would be a perfect addition to any grand home.
The acrylic alabaster dome comes housed in a 30″ steel structure that can be custom plated in chrome, polished brass or brushed nickel. We also offer a selection of 29 powder coated colors, and can work with your designer for a custom finish and color if desired. The chandelier comes with 4 x LED22s and can be dimmed for precise lighting levels.
#tbtPrimelite: While researching our collection of antique Primelite catalogs we came across original black and white photographs featuring some of our early lighting fixtures. The photos are stunning and over the upcoming weeks we will be sharing these photos in our weekly #tbtPrimelite series.
To start things off this week we’re highlighting fixture #2706G, a 6 candelabra brass chandelier. As you can see this is old school photography. Though it does appear that the light reflections on the glass shades were “enhanced.” But rather than the digital magic of today, these light reflections & glow appear to have been actually painted on the photo! As was common in the days before Photoshop. Old school photo touchups and special effects were done by hand and on the actual photo! By artists! Something that is now long gone.
Anyway, chandelier #2706G came with 6 x 60 watt candelabras, glass shades and was available in different finishes; Polished Brass, Old English, and Pewter.
#details #details #details: Its said that perfection is all in the details! Upon closer reflection you can see traces of the actual photographic shoot. Look closely at the brass globe at the bottom of the chandelier and you can see the reflection of the photo studio where the photo was shot. Humorously you can see the reflection of the not quite hidden white blind in which the photographer stood when shooting the actual picture. Versions of which are still practiced today, though any traces are easily removed in post-production. Now looking closely at a candelabra. You can see the painted highlights on the glass shade and candelabra bulb. Another artistic touch from a very talented retoucher.
Scan of 1960s photograph of Primelite chandelier #2706G
#tbtPrimelite: Continuing with our exploration of Primelite’s 1960s chrome lighting fixtures, here is another scan of an early Primelite catalog page. Primelite’s metallic fixtures were finished in chrome, brass or a combination of both. Many fixtures included colored inserts in a multitude of stylish colors: Black, white, yellow, mustard, avocado, apple green, red, blue, burnt orange, earth brown and walnut veneer. Our metallics fixtures were popular, both, with home decorators and interior designers.
#tbtPrimelite: An important design element of the 1960s home was the metallic finishes of chrome and brass. Always looking fashion forward, Primelite introduced their collection of metallic home fixtures. Finished in chrome, brass or a combination of both. Many fixtures included colored inserts available in a multitude of stylish colors: Black, white, yellow, mustard, avocado, apple green, red, blue, burnt orange, earth brown and walnut veneer. Our fixtures were popular, both, with home decorators and interior designers.
#tbtPrimelite: In the 1960’s Victorian inspired home design was very popular, with many mid-century homes showcasing Victorian furniture, lighting and home accessories. At the time, Primelite Mfg’s catalogs featured their line of Victorian gaslight-inspired lighting. Our Victorian lighting series featured colorful and textured glass lampshades that successfully captured that charming “gas-glow” of Victorian lamps. Our popular fixtures would illuminate the interiors of homes. Nationwide.
The Victorian gaslight collection included a range of hanging and wall mounted lights, incorporating decorative brass arms, hanging chains and colorful glass shades. An interior designer’s delight; these lights were available in custom finishes including; Polished Brass and Antique Brass . The textured glass shades were available in colors including; Ruby, Amber, Cranberry, “Acqua” and Opal White.
#tbtPrimelite: Catalogs of Primelite’s lighting fixtures were, and still are, an important part of business. Featured in an early catalog was this series of Victorian gaslight inspired fixtures. With colorful and textured glass lampshades, these fixtures successfully captured the charming “gas-glow” of Victorian lamps and brought it to residences throughout the US.
The Victorian gaslight collection included a range of hanging and wall mounted lights, incorporating decorative brass arms, hanging chains and colorful glass shades. An interior designer’s delight; these lights were available in custom finishes including; Polished Brass and Antique Brass . The textured glass shades were available in colors including; Ruby, Amber, Cranberry, “Acqua” and Opal White.
#tbtPrimelite: A trip back in time finds Primelite featuring their line of “Victorian Lights” collection. The collection includes a range of hanging lights incorporating fanciful arms and colorful glass shades. An interior designer’s delight; the decorative arms were available in custom finishes including; Old English Brass, Antique White and Antique Gold. The corresponding glass shades were available in colors including; Green, Honey Amber, Yellow and Champagne Brown.
Scan of original “Victorian Lights by Primelite” catalog page
#tbtPrimelite: This weeks #ThrowbackThursday highlights our globe and molded glass post lights from the 1970’s. The unique molded shapes were constructed of “heavy molded glass,” and were available in frosted or amber glass. Globes were available in multiple sizes, materials and colors.
#then&now: Primelite’s exterior globe post lights. Primelite’s globes are no longer just round! Today Primelite offers globes in many shapes; including cube, ellipsoid, “deco”, and round. While the wonderful molded glass tops are no longer available, we do offer our globes in opal, smoke and clear. Materials range from glass, acrylic, polyethene, polycarbonate and are available in sizes from 6″ to 36″.
#tbtPrimelite: Primelite’s Exterior Post Lights from the 1970’s
#tbtPrimelite: This weeks #ThrowbackThursday once again features our “Glamour Globes” from the 1970’s. For use in both interior and exterior applications, our fashion forward globes were heavily influenced by the disco era and were constructed of polycarbonate and embedded with crackle chips creating the metallic finish shown. Available in the fashionable colors of the time, including green, gold, blue, red, and white. These globes were, and still are, the definition of “cool”!
#then&now: Globes! Globes! Globes! A sample of Primelite’s current selection of interior and exterior globe fixtures.
One of our most popular lighting styles, Primelite’s globes are no longer just round! Today Primelite offers globes in many shapes; including cube, ellipsoid, “deco”, and round. While the colorful “Glamour Globe” series is no longer available, we do offer our globes in opal, smoke and clear. Materials range from glass, acrylic, polyethene, polycarbonate and are available in sizes from 6″ to 36″.
