Restoration & Modification of Lighting Fixtures from Yale University’s Morse College Completed
New Haven, CT – The restoration of numerous sculpture-like lighting fixtures from Yale University’s Morse College has been completed.
This marks the completion of phase one of a two part restoration project. Work on lighting fixtures neighboring Ezra Stiles College is expected to begin later this year.
The buildings are two of the twelve residential colleges at Yale University, both of which were built in 1961 and designed by architect Eero Saarinen, a master of American 20th Century architecture. Morse College is named after Samuel Morse, a Yale graduate and inventor of Morse Code. Ezra Stiles College is named after Rev. Ezra Stiles, president of Yale from 1778-1795.
Grand Light restored and modified a large number of the original fixtures from Morse, which included multiple bronze sconces, bronze chandeliers, exterior poles and luminaires, library lights, and numerous massive bronze outdoor lighting fixtures.
The fixtures were designed by Oliver Andrews, a well known and respected California sculptor, author and educator at UCLA. His designs, abstract in nature, where intended to be contemporary versions of what he considered “the sort of thing you’d find in an ancient castle”.
The restoration and modification of included electrical wiring, custom component fabrication, testing, cleaning and component refinishing. Physical restoration consisted of the repair or replacement of any parts that were missing,broken, or damaged. Replacements matched the original parts in strength and appearance, including degree of detail. Electrical restoration consisted of the replacement of all electrical components and wiring. All fixtures were wired with UL listed components and tested in accordance with UL standards.
Additional modifications were made to each fixture type. For a full scope of the work completed, please visit the specifications tab on the project overview page.
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About Grand Light:
Grand Light, located in New Haven, CT since 1929, is an experienced restorer of historic lighting fixtures and a manufacturer of custom lighting fixtures. We have restored, replicated and manufactured custom lighting fixtures at every scale. Past projects include work for clients such as Yellowstone National Park, Yale University, Minute Man National Historical Park, the Shubert Theater, the New Haven Museum and the Otesaga Resort Hotel.