Well, at Fritz Fryer Antique Lighting it’s been manic.  That’s not a complaint.  With so much gloomy financial news around we are delighted and proud to be so busy.  A big spark for us was the launch of our new website on Jan 5th.

We’ve had amazing feedback and lovely comments – if you’ve not seen the site already, take a look here.  To add to the excitement this blog is being redeveloped as we speak, to make it look a little (lot!) more professional and in keeping with our super new website.  Watch this space!

During a brief break from playing on the new website we invited the BBC along to record an episode of Flog It!  We had a great day and I may now be spotted driving around Ross On Wye in dark glasses, following my brush with fame.  Paul Martin was delightful and everyone (particularly female relatives) was keen to hear all about our day so here’s a little post I wrote for them.

Sandwiched between these events, we’ve collected and restored four more of the beautiful antique crystal chandeliers from the Pittville Pump rooms in Cheltenham and have completed several fascinating bespoke lighting designs, including one for a chain of High Street shops.  More about this in future posts.

And last, but not least, a kind relative of a member of staff who shall remain anonymous (but thanks Kate’s mum!) was extremely generous in lending us their house for a day for a mini photo shoot – lots of fun and here’s the results!

I know from all the phone calls that you ladies out there really just want to know, “Is Paul Martin as nice as on the tele and did he wear his pink jacket?”  In the interests of getting you to read a bit more of this post… all will be revealed later!

The Beeb arrive!

Let me start by saying, I don’t do photographs. I really don’t do photographs.  My daughter had to present a photographic introduction to her family at school.  Her opening words, “Please don’t worry about me, I do have a mum, there are just no photos of her!” So, with my phobia of appearing in photographs, how did I end up facing the TV cameras?

Enter Simon and a manic pre-Christmas installation schedule.  Initially the show’s producer, the lovely Viki Lines, called and spoke to Simon.  She asked if she could send a researcher along to check us out, which Simon considerately arranged on a day when he was out helping (?!) with a chandelier installation. ‘Oh, my wife, Karen, will be here, she’ll show you around’, I heard him say.

A lovely chap called ‘Alex from the Beeb’ arrived.  He produced a video camera and asked if I minded him filming.  My heart said, … well actually I’d best not print that reaction, but my business retailer, self publicist, head won the day and I coughed, ‘Er, no, feel free.’

You can guess the rest.  Alex phoned and said they’d love to film a piece on lighting history in our shop, but would I mind being interviewed on camera? When he said the words ‘you were a natural,’ part of me knew this was flattery to get what he wanted, but an even bigger part, my ego, forced me to consent, knowing the filming would be great PR and that I could also be taken suddenly ill on the day and force Simon to take my place.

So, the big day arrived;  Tuesday 9th January, 2012.  Simon claims I was a nervous wreck, but I can assure you I was as cool as a cucumber (one that has been left on a table in the middle of the Gobi Desert).  A crew of people arrived and they were, genuinely a great bunch of guys (see how quickly I’m getting into that ‘lovey’ persona!).  Three cameramen, a sound chap, the smoothtalking Alex (who it turns out has a real surname of Price), producer Viki and the lovely Paul Martin.

Now I must confess, it was all rather exciting.  My determination to not be overawed by celebrity fell apart as I got lost for words and disappeared into the kitchen to make lots of cups of tea and coffee. (Actually, inside scoop here for the ladies, Mr Martin likes Earl Grey.  Finding our cupboards stocked with PG Tips and Nescafe I quickly legged it to Sainsburys!).

The guys from the beeb set to work immediately.  A quick recce of the shop was followed by a ‘meet and greet’ scene (if you ever happen upon it, try to spot the very nervous shop owner changing a light bulb!).  I was very impressed.  Two cameramen wandered around getting all kinds of shots for close ups and voice overs while Paul Martin wowed us all with his prescence infront of camera.

It is really fascinating to watch a program in the making and appreciate what goes into it – it’s also quite funny when things don’t go quite to plan.  Despite Simon’s attempt to sabotage my interview by sneezing in the middle (pure jealousy) it honestly wasn’t as bad as I expected, and look…  there’s even a photo for my daughters next project!

I have no regrets about allowing the BBC into our lives for a day, at least until it’s aired(!), and I have a new respect for presenters, it’s incredible how difficult it is to walk and talk infront of a camera and a room full of people.

Oh, and by the way ladies, no pink jacket (but check out the trousers) and, yes, Paul Martin was absolutely lovely;  definately as nice as he is on the tele!

And no, ladies. The pink jacket stayed at home, but check out those trousers!

Back in April, a fantastic day was had by all when the talented Andy Marshall came to Herefordshire for a photo shoot:

Fun on the farm! Our chandeliers in barns theme.

The results are soon to be revealed – the new website is being launced in January.  We’re very excited.  It’s looking good and has lots of new functionality, so watch this space.

We’ve worked with some wonderful clients (too numerous and discrete to mention – but thanks to you all) and we’ve worked on some fascinating heritage projects which are truely rewarding.

So as we head into 2012 with lots of interesting projects already planned and several underway, all that remains it to say thanks for your support and we wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Do you love the soft glow of table and standard lamps, but can never be bothered to switch them all on?

Do you often head upstairs at night, only to spot a glow emitting from the sitting room, courtesy of the table lamp in the corner that you’ve forgotten to switch off?

A 3 amp ring main is the way to go!

Low level lighting is pretty essential in a sitting room.  No one wants to sit chatting or watching TV under the glare of light emitted from a ceiling pendant.  Lamps give a feeling of intimacy and will encourage your guests to sit down.

Lamps at the flick of a switch

The ring is best installed into any room where multiple lamps are likely to be needed.  Special round pin sockets are placed around the room (somethimes in the floor by a sofa or coffee table, as well as in the walls) into which you lamps are plugged. Do note, they won’t run your TV or vacum cleaner!  The ring main links back to a light switch by the door, in the same position as your regular light switch.  All your lamps are plugged into the ring and left switched on.  When you enter the room, switch the switch and, voila… on come all the table and standard lamps.  Simples!

So, at the beginning of you design process, PLEASE DON’T FORGET THE WALL LIGHTS!

Wall lights come in a fabulous array of shapes, styles and sizes

Wall lights make a lovely addition to almost any room, from practical, directional spots in a kitchen, to ornate gilt fittings in a grand entrance hall, they add another dimension to the light. However, there is one situation where they are essential; when faced with low ceiling heights.  It is incredible how many customers come through our door having just had a room rewired or a new extension and need a ceiling fitting with a tiny drop. If it’s not too late, we send them away to have a friendly chat with the electrician!  A ceiling pendant and a low ceiling does not make for a happy partnership, particularly if your family has tall genes.

Wall Lights are good! In a sitting room, low level lighting from wall lights, table and standard lamps will encourage people to sit and can give off a very gentle ambient light, making your guests feel welcome and comfortable.  Similarly in a dinning room, some decorative wall lights will give a lovely ambient light when you guests are seated around the table.  In the kitchen, they can light areas that other lighting cannot reach and, set low next to the bed, they can make a practical alternative to reading lamps in your bedroom.

So, if you are planning a lighting design why not speak to Simon (our expert in this field) oh and, ….please don’t forget the wall lights!

The first arcade was built by Lord Cavendish in 1819, to provide a barrier between his home at Burlington House (now The Royal Academy of Arts) and the local riff raff, who threw rubbish over his back wall.  Architect Samuel Ware was commissioned to design the opulent Burlington Arcade, which complete with its own guards, the Burlington ‘beadles’, became a haven for the well-heeled gentlemen and ladies of London.  Visitors flocked to Piccidilly to buy jewellery, perfumery and fine tailored clothing.  The Burlington Arcade still has its beadles, and the Victorian behavioural code they police is still in place.  There should be no running, singing, humming or playing an instrument in the arcade, and no bicycles are to be pushed through or ‘unfurled umbrellas’ permitted.

Illustration of the original Burlington Arcade from 1827

In addition to Burlington you can browse the fine shops of The Royal Opera Arcade (Built 1816-18  by the great Regency landscape architect John Nash), Bond Street’s neo-gothic Royal Arcade (1879), The Piccadilly Arcade (built in 1909-1910 by G Thrale Jell), and finally the youngest of the Piccadilly shopping arcades, Princes Arcade built in 1929-1933, which happens to be the home of our lanterns.

Did you know…The name ‘Piccadilly’ comes from the word ‘pickadill’ which was a type of stiff collar, fashionable in the 17th Century

So back to our lanterns...When they arrived in the shop we thought they looked fabulous, with their black wrought iron frames and clear glass.  As fans of sympathetic restoration we were slightly confused when we were asked to powder coat the metal in a pale grey, and fit them with frosted glass.

The lanterns as they arrived to us in the shop

It turns out that the Princes Arcade has recently had a little makeover to make it more attractive to the serious West End shoppers, and having visited the site we couldn’t be more impressed by the finished look of the arcade.  It looks very smart with its grey and blue colour scheme, and its refreshing to see that a piece of London’s rich history can be brought into the 21st century without ruining its charm.   The arcades are well worth a visit, and I’ve put a little list together of some other attractions if you are visiting the area.  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the West End put you off, this alternative shopping experience is worth its weight in GDP.

The finished product in the Princes Arcade!

The Princes Arcade before and after renovation

The Princes Arcade – Amongst the shops in the arcade are the fabulous chocolatiers Prestat, one of the world’s oldest and grandest chocolatiers founded in 1902.  Yum!

Fortnum and Mason – OK I am biased as I love their biscuits and have an obsession with buying tinned things for people as christmas presents, but for me Fortnum and Mason’s beats Harrods and Selfridges in the foodie gift department. Their packaging is beautiful and the interior of the shop is majestically gilded and quintessentially English.  Apparently its also the favoured food hall of the Royal Family, so you couldn’t be in better company…

Quince Restaurant at The Mayfair Hotel – There are so many fabulous restaurants in this area, particularly if you are looking for something special.  I’d recommend skipping the afternoon tea and head straight for the lunch menu at the Quince Restaurant, the turkish inspired food here is truly fantastic and the luxurious decor and warm reception make for a perfect break from the hustle and bustle.  What’s not to love?

The Royal Academy of Arts – An obvious landmark in the area but having visited the recent Degas exhibition I was inspired to give this a slot on the blog!

Open top bus tour – We travelled with the Big Bus Company and honestly I can’t recommend this enough.  If you enjoy a bit of history and its a nice sunny day an open top bus tour is a perfect way to put your feet up and take in the sights.  The commentary was informative and entertaining, and if you are still yearning for more history your ticket covers a Thames boat cruise aswell!

Arts and Crafts Lighting

Check it out here:

http://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/article/529282/W-A-S-Benson-and-Arts-Crafts.html

1920s Alabaster Ceiling and Wall Lights

Simon is wandering around the shop today with a grin like a Cheshire cat.  He has just purchased these beautiful, 1920s carved alabaster light fittings.  A large ceiling bowl light with four matching corner, wall lights.  They are of the most beautiful quality and are going to look fantastic once rewired.

This stunning Gilt Table lamp with a Nautilus shade shell dates from around 1900.  The intricate gilt casting is stunning quality.   Merbabies replace the more common cherubs!  A truly unique and rare lamp.

We also had a beautiful French chandelier featured in the ‘Dream Room’ dining room feature, and it looks fab! (page 76)