Colonial Lighting

The highlight of a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is touring the Governor's Mansion. Having burned to the ground not long after the Revolutionary War, it was painstakingly restored in the early 20th century.  While listening to the guide talk about the life and family of Lord Dunmore, last royal governor of The Colony of Virginia, I could not help but notice the beautiful light fixtures that can be found around the mansion. 

The dining room has a glass chandelier

 The house had no electricity, of course...

 and the hallways were illuminated be candles.

 Another chandelier in a bedroom.

 The walls had small carved pedestals where candlesticks could be placed,

 ...or sconces on them.

 The ballroom was illuminated by three glass chandeliers,

 and candlestick holders on pedestals.

 At the cabinet maker's shop, we saw drawings for chandeliers, 

 and single candlesticks,

as well as an elaborately carved sconce.

Even though these lovely fixtures cast the past in a gentle glow, I am still very happy we have electricity in our lives. It would be hard to blog by candlelight.