A Shade Above the Rest

What makes a lamp shade stand out above the rest?  To do so, the design must be original, the frame must be hand-formed and welded, and the finest fabric must be hand-stitched.

At Maitland-Smith we start with the original shade drawing of the perfect complement to the lamp base. This is a good example of an unusual shade with curved sides rather than straight lines. 

From the designer's drawing the lamp shade comes to life as the metal is shaped and welded. Next the frame is handwrapped with fine muslin ribbon.  To this fabric-covered frame our skilled sewers stitch the outer fabric and inner lining. 

Dressmaker details including hand-set pleating, smocking and embroidery are added as the designer indicates.  Final steps include the addition of trim at the top and bottom with folds, gimps and custom details. 

 

When the shade is complete, it goes to packaging for a custom-made box.
Here is the final product.  The shade is silk with ruching and trim, and the fabric diffuses the light beautifully. The peacock base made from the drawing is verdigris finished cast brass with pawa shell inlay giving a little sparkle to the wings.  The base is stone.

There are definitely differences in lamp shades, and a hand-formed and hand-stitched shade is what makes a shade above the rest.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?    www.maitland-smith.com

Comments

[Susan]

I just bought 4 Maitland-
Smith chairs at an estate sale that are covered in snakeskin. Can you tell me anymore about them? Age, value, etc. They have the brass Maitland-Smith nameplate. They also have a white sticker that is very worn. It has three sets of numbers that I think say, "11303218", "120216", and "11243213". I would love to know more about these chairs.
Thanks

[Bonnie]

Susan - your chairs are early Maitland-Smith from the 80's, I would guess, from your description and the photos you sent. Our numbering system was different then, so I am sorry that I am unable to research them to give you a value at this time. I hope they will bring you many years of enjoyment.