Chandelier Manufacture

Lobmeyr consciously opts for handcrafted finishing in its
manufacture of chandeliers.

Know-how passed on through generations and a rich archive – the chandelier
workshop, for example, has over 10,000 cast models – allows the authentic recreation
of every style of chandelier, while also being a source of endless possibilities
for new ideas.
The body of the chandelier and its supporting components is the frame. In our
brass-welding workshop the middle column, chandelier arms, rings and other
parts are constructed; all these elements are still bent and formed by hand. Old
techniques such as the hammering of the “Nockerlprofil” for authentic baroque
chandeliers and a special kind of knurling for impressing delicate ornaments and
patterns often used in the French Empire period are still in use today. Equally important
is the surface finishing of the metal, not only for its visual effect, but also for
the durability of the finished product. Diversity is also important: a variety of gilding
techniques are available, as well as 17 shades of gold. As soon as the framework
has been completed, work begins on the chandelier’s “dress” – its crystal pendants.
Though the workshop has a large variety of pendant shapes for almost all chandelier
styles, special commissions are no rarity. Here we also prefer hand-cut crystal,
due to its improved shine. Finally the pieces are linked together manually – a piece
of wire is inserted between two crystal buttons or drops, twisted and cut – as this is
the most durable method and above all also the most visually pleasing.

Model No.4713/5 “Parisian chandelier”, Oswald Haerdtl 1937
right page, from left to right:
Hammering of a decorative element for an “Empire“ chandelier
Trimming cast brass parts by hand
View into one of the “glass vaults“ at the Lobmeyr workshop
Traditional linking of crystal pendants via “Bürstenkettelung“