Vintage view: A look back at the Tiffany lamp

Kya deLongchamps explores the beauty of the Tiffany lamp and the surprising role played by women crafters in the firm’s glass workshop

Today, Tiffany lamps are treated as a type, not a brand. With blooming meadows of inexpensive stained glass shades on bronze style plastic/resin supports, they are as familiar in a high street lighting outlets as shrubby new Victorian chandeliers, or phoney Arco floor dippers.

A real Tiffany from the early 20th century (1895 – 1932) is a thrilling rarity, set apart on sight by its materials and the artistry of its execution.