A pair of dish-shaped Holophane (“stiletto” prism) reflectors apparently unsigned with their original brass galleries hung pendant from a replacement brass ceiling rose. England c.1900

Ht.(as displayed)86cm/34in, Ht.(shade & gallery)11/4.5,  W.25/10

The Holophane Company, U.K, U.S.A & France

• In 1893, André Blondel invents the prismatic glass molding, on the principle of the Fresnel lens. The invention is patented under the name “Holophane” whose Greek roots mean “harmonious distribution of light”.
• In 1898, Otis Mygatt, an American businessman, buys the patent and creates two companies on each side of the Atlantic for the production and sale of Holophane products.
• Holophane Glass Co. (USA): manufacturing / sales, and Holophane Limited (UK)
• The year 1920 sees the birth of “Holophane SA” in France. The English company (Holophane Limited) joins forces with a French industrialist to create a production site and installs glassware in Les Andelys. Holophane SA is born.