Saturday, September 12, 2009

CHANDELIER HEAVEN


Do you get weak in the knees and start hyperventilating at the sight of a gorgeous chandelier?

If you do, this post is for you! Back on August 12th, I left off sharing photos of my trip to Europe with a post about hand-painted ceramics.


Today I'd like introduce you to the chandeliers I met.


The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Naples, Italy was built over a century starting in 1738. When completed it rivaled Versaille for magnificent gardens and lavishly decorated salons.


There was so much to look at -- antique furniture, priceless paintings, world famous sculptures, gilded carved mouldings and ceiling frescoes. It was so overwhelming that I decided to focus on one feature...the stupendous chandeliers.


The metal casting on the one above is superb. It's positively architectural.


I was almost blinded by the reflections from the thousand or more crystals on this French delite.


This one won my heart for the sheer abundance of candles it could hold.


It probably weighs a ton but this huge fixture looks light and airy.


This one was one of my favorites. The arms resemble branches with dozens of golden leaves.


A blown glass chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly caught my eye at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Let me know if you'd like to see more Chihuly's. I've shot several of his exhibits, including one of floral shapes at the NY Botanical Gardens.



In Brussels, these silk lanterns were for sale in a chic boutique. Of all the chandeliers I saw on my Grand Tour, these were probably the only ones I could afford!

*** BRAGGING RIGHTS***

I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share some of the nice notes that I've received about my book, Waterside Cottages. Keep those e-mails coming ladies, they really make my day. And, if you get a chance stop by Amazon and write a review, too.

"Got your book and loved it!!!!! You did a great job. It's beautiful!"

Joni

Cote de Texas


"I received my book yesterday and it's absolutely gorgeous. What a cool job you and Dan have traveling around the country selecting adorable cottages and photographing lovely coastal homes then sharing the beauty. The end result is breathtaking!"

Carole


"Your beautiful book arrived today. Thank you so much it is sensational."

Alison Gibbs


"One of the best checks I’ve ever written! Congratulations on the book."

Judith


"To put it simply, your book is a masterpiece. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed a new decor book this much. You and Dan did a magnificent job."

Linda


"I received my Waterside Cottages and am in total AWE… & in heaven reading your words & looking at Dan's magical photos!! Unbelievable talent on this book-you deserve to become a zillionaire!!!!! Truly a collectible! I LOVE it & LOVE the sweet autograph. I can just imagine in 50 years having my ancestors look through this with its oldautograph from a very talented lady."

Chris

Tutti Chic


"The book arrived. It’s positively gorgeous, says my daughter. I am waiting for her to look at it and then she will let me take a peak. She loves loves loves the book. Thanks so much."

Sarah


18 comments:

Ruth Welter said...

This is a gorgeous post Barbara...I especially love Dale Chihuly's work. He is a wonderful artist and I was very happy to see his work at the NY Botanical Garden a couple of years back. The garden put a lovely display together, he created special pieces just for them.

I've been trying to reach you but not sure my e-mails are getting through.

Glad you are enjoying great success with your book.

Have a lovely weekend...

Ruth

NeereAnDear said...

Oh Barbara.....

I dont think I have seen anything so beautiful in all my life!! Such stunning and elegant beauty in each and every chandelier.... its like magic!!! If I could.... I would have a room filled with nothing but....

As for the Chihuly.... PLEAE MORE!!!
He is by far one of the most talented ... and amazing artists ever!! Cant get enough of his work...

As for your book.... Never doubted it would be such a success for one minute!!! You are a fabulous writer and an amazing talent yourself!!

HUGS
JO

FrenchGardenHouse said...

sigh...beautiful!! what a fun post. Maybe there's a new book in there, lol. Chandeliers I have known and loved.xo Lidy

Missy Wertz said...

I just love chandis!

Alison Gibbs said...

Oh wow those chandeliers are beautiful. I have only a few and adore them. When I look at the enormous ones you have shown us once I get past their beauty I wonder what poor person has to clean them - a mammoth task.
Alison

the paris apartment said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to get my copy!

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

The chandeliers are just breath taking.You are so right,on that score.
I am so happy about the success of your book.Where can I buy one& Can I order it from my bookstore? I pray for your continuing success.BYW,I'm having a givaway. XXOO Marie Antionette PS Tell your friends

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Just found your blog and love, love, love it...
Just added it to my sidebar...
Just blog hopping and enjoyed yours tonight...
Stop by and visit my new Christmas blog. There will be a drawing on October 1st for a GREAT prize...all you have to do is leave a comment..http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com

Simply Dandy said...

I too am a chandy lover and the first one is unbelievably gorgeous. I can't wait to get a copy of your book.

LeAnn

Jane said...

I love Dale Chihuly's work!!! Please share more!

These chandeliers are gorgeous!Thanks for the photos.
Jane (Artfully Graced)

Julie Marie said...

Oh my goodness Barbara, those are gorgeous! How could you ever pick a favorite... I love them all! And I too am enjoying your book, it is hard to put it down, I keep taking just "one more look"... Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara :)

This is truly one of the most to die for posts I have EVER seen!!!!!! I LOVE chandeliers. These are drop dead gorgeous, you are so lucky to have seen them in person, I think I would faint, lol!

I am so excited for you about this beautiful book!! It truly is exquisite!!

Hugs,
Amy

shabbyfufu said...

Ohhh, I just LOVE chandeliers with such a passion ~great post! My favorite is the Chihuly. I have pics of his show at Fairchild (Tropical Gardens) in Miami that I went to a couple yrs ago if you need more...let me know! ~xoxo~ Janet

TIM THE LIGHTING GUY said...

Hi just wanted to say I loved all your pictures of these chandeliers they are great!

Rose Garden Romantic said...

I love crystal chandeliers and those lanters are fabulous, also!!
Michelle

BALLET NEWS said...

Is there anything more gorgeous than a chandelier ? This is a great post & you have the most gorgeous site here. It's all perfect !

Thank you and best wishes....

{oc cottage} said...

I'll take one of each, thx so much!!! ;)

m ^..^

Jennifer Hayslip said...

Stunning Chandeliers Barbara. I attended a Chiuly event a few years ago and was in AWE!!! I have to tell you...I couldn't wait till Christmas. I gave my Mom her book the other day and she was in HEAVEN!!! She was SO giddy, and could not wait to get home and curl up in her favorite chair, have a glass of wine, and oooh & aaah over every page of your book. I of course have studied every square inch of the book and I must say you & Dan did a MARVALOUS job! Gorgeous book. ;) XO,Jenn