No. 015 - Isinglass Lantern
Iron, isinglass
18 inches x 9 inches diameter (46 x 23 cm)
18th Century
This lantern of French origin was part of the Gothic Revival movement which influenced aesthetics and themes throughout the 18th century. The isinglass was most likely fired to achieve a copper tint, and used with a small oil lamp. The oil lamp remains, but will probably become a wired lamp with a small, dim bulb, if it can be done without compromising the integrity of the piece.
Mica became known as ‘isinglass’ when it was used for stove windows in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The term "isinglass" describes the lenses used in horse-drawn carriages and early cars, which are lighter, more flexible, and more heat resistant than glass. It was used in windows and lanterns as early as the 17th century, as well as in stoves and boilers.
