Like so many millions of people across the globe, I have watched with alarm as my income has plummeted. March 2020 was half the sales of March 2019, and April 2020 is looking to be 75% less than April 2019.
Fuck.
I have published several posts mentioning this.
In addition, I comment on a political blog, JoeMyGod, where I am, umm, well known. A while back I discovered, to my surprise, that a bunch a political fanatics would also be interested in old houses and vintage lighting! So, I regularly leave comments about the Cross House and the latest old lights I have restored. These comments seem well received!
Recently, after leaving such a comment, I received the following letter:
Hello Ross,
I have been a ‘lurker’ on JMG for many years and I have to come respect your political views and your reasoned civility in defending them. Like you, I was an ardent financial supporter of Pete Buttigieg and I also thought that Representative Val Demings of Florida would have been a perfect fit as his VP. At 75 years of age I fervently hope that I someday have the opportunity to witness President Peter Buttigieg take the oath of office as President with Chasten at his side.
I have learned via JMG of your current financial concerns and I would like to offer you some assistance.
A number of years ago I purchased an Art Deco chandelier on eBay from a dealer located in France with the intention of using it in our home. Subsequent purchases relegated this fixture to a place in our garage attic for a ‘someday we might find a place for this’. (‘Our’ is my husband/partner of 11/40 years).
I have made a couple of attempts to sell this chandelier to friends here in San Diego but it has just not worked for them in their homes.
If you are at all interested in this chandelier, I would like to send it to you for you to sell.
I will not accept any money for it.
It would give me immense satisfaction to know that this chandelier has found a home and that it may have contributed to enabling someone to weather this horrendously catastrophic period in the life of our country.
Michael
Well, this made my eyes water right up!
Yesterday, the chandelier arrived. Scroll way down to see.
Prepare. To. Gasp.
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Gasp!
I know! Zounds!
This opalescent glass blows me away! And…birdies!
Gasp!
Gasp!
Gasp!
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Michael did some research and discovered that the made-in-France fixture was designed by Jean-Boris Lacroix (1902 – 1984) in circa-1930.
I am deeply moved by Michael’s generosity.
Several other people have purchased fixtures from me recently and reached out to let me know that they did so because they were either readers of this blog or of JMG. And others have donated via the GoFundMe account linked to RestoringRoss.
Then, a few days ago, Lindy came by to mow the lawn at the Cross House!
All of this has profoundly impacted my state of mind. I am scared, yes, but I do not feel…well…doomed. I don’t. While I live alone, and normally work alone, these past weeks have proven that I am not alone. And, if the generosity that I have experienced of late manifests across the globe, somehow, somehow, we may all survive this crisis.
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A great big (virtual) hug to all of you. And, thank you, Michael.
Thank you, Michael. Your gift is gorgeous and generous. First time I have seen lights like that design. Not only that, you have brightened Ross’ life. May you both be blessed.
I sent you an email with a picture of a fixture I wanted you to restore for me. This is an offer to pay for your work without waiting for a sale. I sent it to your store address, did it go astray? Is it a type of fixture you don’t work on? Let me know if you got it or should I re-send it to different address?
Thanks
Hi, David!
I just found your email in my Spam file!
Ross
~40 years later than the Cross House, but surely you’re tempted to keep it? Surely? SURELY???
Damn, I’d love to have it in my distinctively non-period late 1980s condo, but would be impossible for me, and criminal to keep it in a place it can’t show off!
Just a stunner, Ross. [Am picturing Fred&Ginger dancing cheek-to-cheek underneath! 😉 ]
I cried.
There are so many good, kind, growing souls in the world. Michael and his partner are these souls. Old souls know what is really important in this world, our experiences to grow and the choices we make with one another. The most important experience in this life time is the growth of our immortal soul.
The light fixture is so beautiful that there are no words to really describe something so special. The gift act is even more than beautiful and special.
Ross, Michael, and partner are all blessed by this act.
I too feel blessed to know of the gifting. Thank you.
I’m on a facebook group for people restoring old houses. Anytime someone asks about finding lighting for their home I post your The Old Above website URL. I don’t know if it will come to anything but you never know.
The glass looks like Lalique glass to me, but I could be wrong. I love old glass perfume bottles and a few of the Lalique bottle toppers really look Like the beautiful light.
This is a bowl by Lalique https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Large-Lalique-Crystal-Bowl-with-Three-Birds/174263096366?hash=item2892e3d42e:g:LjoAAOSwr2dedm~d
This is a newer perfume bottle. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nina-Ricci-Dove-Bird-Perfume-Bottle-Sealed-Signed-Lalique-3-1-2-h-Vintage/263569460405?hash=item3d5df6ccb5:g:oG8AAOSwWGxat~3v
Very simular…
That is a great story, and a stunning fixture! Thanks for sharing both. I have not ever seen anything like it.
So gorgeous, I was drooling.
Went through my modern (1984) lake view house, decorated in mission furniture and art deco light fixtures. Unfortunately, the only place I could put that light is in a bathroom or the laundry room. Sigh.
Some house is gonna be soooo lucky to have that.
Spectacular! Lucky! I hope it finds a good home. I can picture it in an Art Deco house or as the focal point in a sleek contemporary.
Every few years I get curious about this light fixture that I am afraid to hang. There is some damage to the heavy opalescent glass wings where they fit in to the aluminum body. I saw a pair of sconces online once where the wings were plastic. Look familiar?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/355010383123633010/?nic_v1=1anmsDukiQrfpkh9X%2BUXfn6%2FoTtSrE4pSHhLiH%2FemeNos7N0MFCerk%2FxDMbqOGKO93
Wow! I’ve never seen anything like that, DeAnna!
Fabulous!
Here is a link to the plastic sconce
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/69724206_art-deco-dragonfly-wall-light-sconce
It just seems strange to have these 2 materials, unless someone took the plastic and upgraded it.
The wings are off the metal body? If they’re attached to the body’s inside a glass glue might help. I found a glass and pottery glue at my local JoAnn Fabrics. If they are REAL heavy, take it to a stained glass store. The place I took lessons at also fixed glass pieces. I’m hoping there’s a place like that near you. I love that dragonfly!
Good idea! The wings are molded into an L shape that hold the weight of the wings, and light shines through into the wings, so I have been worried about doing anything that would block that. There is a stained glass place here that might be able to help, so I will try that when they open back up.
right back at ya Ross!! I love the chandelier.
Wow! That bird light fixture is awesome!
I know I would never own a house worthy of that light, and it is not my taste at all, but Holy Wow! Is it ever gorgeous!