SIGHTING A STAR ON BROADWAY

One of the great joys of collecting is the excitement of sighting an oil lamp in the Arts. The Broadway musical "Jekyll & Hyde" has some great sightings. In the production, the oil lamp is used to depict period, but also acts as an extension of the characters who use them. An Astral lamp is used to depict the professional aura of the apothecary in his shop. While in Dr. Jekyll's laboratory there is a small metal lamp with a white globe that is used to shed light on his diary where he notes the progress of his dangerous and deadly experiments. This lamp is used repeatedly until the final entry is made. At which time Mr. Hyde has so overcome the good doctor that he smashes the lamp as a symbol of his completed evil metamorphosis. When the evil Mr. Hyde visits The Red Rat, there is a pink sweetheart lamp next to Lucy's bed.

For over a century the oil lamp has become a symbol in art and literature. In his painting, "The Potato Eaters", Van Gogh set the mood and commented on the plight of his subjects with the inclusion of a hanging kerosene lamp. The images of the beautifully rich banquet lamps in Scarlett's Tara so captivated the public that from the time of the movie's release they've become known as "Gone With the Wind" lamps. And check out those Apes! The use of natural flame lighting, especially at the Senators dinner, in the 2001 "Planet of the Apes" is incredible. It's surprising where they show up, even in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds".

The Sweetheart of Broadway   Fun & Functional Lamps Lehman's has working hand-blown replicas of 19th century oil lamps. Replicas are so exacting, even the bubbles and imperfections look like the originals! The lamps come with heavy duty solid brass burners and collars - the best available today. 'Queen Anne' style burner (3/4 inch wide flat cotton wick) will function faithfully for years. You can purchase this lamp or browse an extensive selection of lamps by visiting Lehmans.com, here. Lehman's: Products for Simple Living since 1955.

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Copyrighted 2001