The Use, Manufacture, and Historic Preservation of Ornamental Electric Lighting Fixtures with the Work of Frederick C. Baker as a Case Study
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Date
1990-08
Authors
McGinn, Barry J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
In many restoration and rehabilitation projects today, there may be a lack of
understanding of the central role historic lighting systems played in aiding architectural
expression and spatially unifying interiors through luminaire design, lighting strategy,
ornamentation and materials.
The goal of this project is to establish a deeper understanding of the role of
historic lighting as an informant to sensitive lighting rehabilitation. A general
understanding of historic lighting is first developed through a study of historic luminaire
design precedent, developments in twentieth century material processes as applied to
luminaire manufacture, and to developments in illumination science. This
understanding supports a more specific case study of a long established Portland,
Oregon, luminaire designer, Frederick C. Baker. The evolution of Baker's luminaire
designs in response to changing architectural styles and attitudes, developments in
material processing and advancements in illumination science is examined. Eleven
case studies of Frederick C. Baker lighting installations are included in the appendix
and support the chapter on Baker. The background chapters and Baker case study are
intended to inform the drafting of a set of lighting rehabilitation guidelines in the final
chapter.
Description
619 pages