A monumental and highly collectible suspended light fixture (plafonnier) sourced from the historic archives of W. Sitch & Co, Soho.
This piece creates an immediate impact with its impressive 14-inch diameter. The bowl is crafted from translucent "Moonstone" or Alabaster glass, known for its ability to diffuse light into a soft, fiery opalescent glow without glare. Unlike many unmarked pieces, this bowl carries the rare and desirable stamp "Ripley Alabaster" on the glass, confirming its pedigree.
The moulding quality is exceptional. The upper rim features a crisp Vitruvian Scroll (or 'Running Dog') frieze—a classical architectural motif that adds a layer of sophistication. Below this, the bowl is detailed with deep vertical fluting, which draws the eye down to the finial. It is suspended by three heavy chains from a central ball-hook ceiling rose, all finished in polished brass.
Provenance: The Sitch & Co Collection This piece hails from the inventory of W. Sitch & Co, London’s renowned lighting engineers established in 1776. Based in Soho, Sitch & Co were the go-to specialists for the capital’s most prestigious projects.
While they manufactured their own designs, they also imported and curated fixtures from the world’s finest makers—including the best American glassworks like Jefferson and Ripley. Their client list read like a Who’s Who of British heritage, supplying fixtures to National Trust properties, grand country manors, government offices, and West End theatres.
Restoration & Specification The fitting has been sensitively restored in our Nottingham workshop. The brass suspension chains and ceiling rose have been cleaned and polished.
It has been re-engineered for modern safety:
Wiring: Rewired with brand new, premium cable.
Holders: Fitted with a new internal ceramic bulb holder (E27 or B22 as required).
Testing: Fully earth-bonded and safety tested to UK & International standards.
Technical Details
Origin: Sitch & Co, London
Maker: Stamped "Ripley Alabaster" (Jefferson Moonstone Style)
Era: Early 20th Century (1910s-1920s)
Material: Moonstone/Alabaster Glass & Brass
Diameter: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
Drop: Approx [Insert Drop] cm (Chains can be adjusted)
Weight: [Insert Weight] kg (Approx)
Shipping & Delivery Free UK Mainland Shipping on this item. International Buyers: We ship globally via DHL/UPS. Due to the high value and fragile nature of this piece, it will be professionally packed and fully insured via Secursus.
