A monumental alabaster plafonnier by Faraday & Son, the alabaster in predominantly rich tones of orange and set into a cast brass framework, with original chains and ceiling hook, the latter impressed “F. and S.”; supplied with a further antique ceiling plate; England, c.1905;

Diam. 58cm/23in.

Faraday & Son, London

• Robert Faraday was the brother of  Michael Faraday the well known pioneer scientist of electromagnetics.

•  Robert ran a gasfitter’s and lighting company in Wardour Street from as early as 1823

• After his father’s death his son James took over followed by his grandson Harold in 1875 when the company became known as Messrs. Faraday & Sons

• The firm’s entries for the Electric Light Fittings Exhibition in Edinburgh received a favourable review in The Art Journal of August 1890

•  In 1919, another company, specialising in chandeliers and Faraday’s merged to become Osler and Faraday Ltd, working from Wardour Street until 1925.