I always find it interesting dismantling these old lamps and discovering how previous stained glass artists and artisans cut the glass and assembled the pieces.
It is also very satisfying to be able to take a damaged or dented Tiffany lamp and repair and refurbish it to restore it to its former glorious self.
It is true that there is a lot of work involved in carefully removing broken or cracked pieces of glass from a lamp shade. Often the solder surrounding the damaged areas has to be re-melted in order for the glass to be removed. Then the pieces must be matched for colour and texture and new pieces have to be cut to size, foiled and soldered into place.
One lamp I repaired and refurbished recently was this circle design shade comprising hundreds of circles of brightly coloured glass. Unfortunately, it was suffering from various issues, including broken and missing pieces, being dented out of shape and having no vase cap – the brass part at the top which takes the fittings that support the shade on the harp beneath. It had been living in a loft for many years so had the additional problems of being coated in grease and a layer of thick, grimy dust.
I set about removing and replacing the damaged areas, making circular patterns in a range of sizes in order to create each glass piece. I also had to melt the soldered areas around the hole where the vase cap had once been to try to reposition the glass in a more curved and less dented shape.
I replaced the vase cap with a new one and soldered it in firmly. The new glass areas were bead soldered inside and out and a patina applied to blend it with the original parts of the design.
Finally, and not insignificantly, I battled the grease and grime on the original glass. Lots of the colours were transformed completely by this effort – what had looked like a dull green glass became a vibrant turquoise and browns became glowing reds.
The bottom edge of this Tiffany lamp shade had been designed to be uneven and I kept this feature in the refurbishment, simply replacing the damaged and bent areas. It is important to repair a shade sympathetically.
The best aspect of a Tiffany lamp repair or refurbishment is fitting the shade to a base and switching on the power – the light really brings the design alive! And in a shade like this with so many bright colours, it is a real joy to see the transformation.
HI Linda,
Please can you advise when you are open over the xmas period, I have a tiffany lamp that needs to be repaired.
I would like to bring over for you to look at.
Kind regards
bev
Hi Bev
Thanks for your message. I’ve sent you an email about it.
Linda
I have a 12″ tiffany style shade,the lead that holds some of the glass has come loose and needs resoldering and the centre brass peice is dented. Firstly would it be possible to repair and if so, approximately how much would it cost? Thank you
I have a Tiffany type lamp in need of repair but I am in the Scottish borders, Do you know of anyone ? Thank you
Sorry to hear you have a damaged lamp. I don’t know of anyone in Scotland who does repairs. Depending on the type of shade and damage, I may be able to help if you were willing to post it to me. I’d need to see photos in the first instance. Email: linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk Thanks
I have two Tiffany lampshades that need repairing. Are you open and if so could you please give me your address and I will deliver the shades to you and your telephone number.
Kind regards.
Miss Hutchings
Hi Miss Hutchings
Thanks for your message – I have emailed you separately.
Linda
We have a sentimental tiffany lamp that I have smashed two panes of glass. Are you able to look at this with a view to repair? Not sure of your location. Thanks Carole
Hi Carole
Yes I should be able to fix it for you. Please email me images of the damage to: linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk
Thanks
Linda
Repair a Tiffany Lamp damaged by overheated light bulb. Where is your company based? Thanks
Hi Margaret. Thanks for your message. I am based in Hampshire but also cover Surrey.
Thanks
Linda
Hi, I have a Tiffany standing lamp that fell over and it’s very badly damaged. I just wanted to find out if you are able to repair and what the cost would be?
Hi Jasmine
Sorry to hear about the damage to your lamp. Yes I may be able to repair it. Are you able to email me photos of the damage please? Email: linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk
Thanks
Linda
dear iLinda,
I have a ‘petal’ Tiffany table lamp which needs the glass petals repaying, would you be able to do this please? I have an image I can send you
Hi i have a very beautiful large round tiffany style lamp with damage close to the crown .i dont think any glass is missing because i sellotape it to keep it intact if loose until i found someone who can fix it ..if i send a photo of the whole lamp damaged and undamaged would you fix it or me ? It is so beautiful and large but i I think a lot of the solder is weak .ps ..my computer has been playing up so u may get other attempts at my message because it kept skipping and i had to start afresh .ill wait for a message and get my daughter to take the photos of the damage for me .thankyou .
Thanks for your message. Sorry to hear about the damage to your lamp. Yes, I should be able to help so please email me photos. Thanks Linda
I have tiffany lamp that top mount came off. Want to know where you are located and idea what it will cost to fix it.
Hi. Thanks for your message. I should be able to help you. I have emailed you directly so please check your junk folder if you can’t see it. Thanks Linda
I just purchased a large pendant shade that was neglected under a house for what appears many years, splashed with paint, caked mud, and I don’t know what. What can I use to clean? Right now I am painstakingly using Q-tips, water and my fingernails. Any suggestions?
Hi. Good to hear you are trying to save the shade. It should be fairly resilient so you could use a regular glass cleaner on it. You will probably have to scratch off the paint as best you can. Clean the inside too for the best result. Good luck!
Good morning. I have two small pink glass lampshades that need repair. A pair of curved flowers, with pink ‘petals’, set in a delicate metal frame. Some glass is broken. Can you help?
Many thanks.
I can send photo if that helps
Hi. Thanks for your message. Yes please send me photos and I’ll let you know whether I can help. Email is linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk
Hi
I have a art deco lady lamp where the glass fan panel has a break in the lead and a few of the glass panels are cracked (2 colours). Could you give me a ball park figure of the cost of the repair of this piece.
Also what would it cost roughly to also reproduce a copy of the panel as well. I could use it in another lamp where I have no glass panel at all.
Hi Ray. Thanks for your message. I’ll reply to you directly on email. Thanks Linda
I have a beautiful large tiffany style lamp that needs soldering at the crown. Might you be able to help?
Hi Una. Sorry to hear you have some damage to your lamp. Please can you email me a photo of the lamp and the damage to linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk
Hi, can my Tiffany lampshade be repaired the top crown has come away from the shade also where are you based.
Thanks Dave
Hi Dave. Thanks for your enquiry. Yes I should be able to fix it but I’ll need to see a photo of the damage please. I’ll email you directly about it. Thanks Linda
A maintenance worker broke my Tiffany lampshade. He entered my apartment without my permission to bring a part for my refrigerator. The lamp is nowhere near the kitchen and I don’t know why he was at the table where the lamp is located. I have been in touch with my insurance carrier and he stated that the worker, not the employer of the worker is liable. I have been in touch with the employer to obtain the name and address of the worker in order to process a claim in Small Claims Court. Is this a good move, or can you suggest one? Thank you
Hi Sheilah
Sorry to hear about your lampshade. Unfortunately I cannot help you with the legal side as I am not qualified to advise you. However if you would like your lamp repaired I may be able to help you with that. Good luck! Thanks Linda
Hi,
I have a light blue Tiffany lamp shade which has now got a crack and chip out of one of the panels after the dog got loose.
Hi Dominic. Sorry to hear about your damaged lamp. Please can you email me photos of the lamp and damage and I can come back to you about whether I can fix it for you. Email me on: linda@orchidstainedglass.co.uk Thanks!