A lustre is a candlestick or lamp featuring a circle of hanging glass drops that scatter and multiply the flame. These decorative objects were placed on mantelpieces and tables to enhance illumination in dimly lit rooms.

How do you clean them?

Cleaning involves washing the glass prisms individually in warm soapy water while leaving the metal mounts untouched by harsh liquids. Prisms should be dried thoroughly before being reattached to the metal crown with their wire hooks.

Where were they placed?

Lustres sat principally on drawing room mantelpieces and dining tables where reflected candlelight added brilliance to evening gatherings. Their placement near mirrors or polished surfaces further amplified the flickering light.

Are all the drops original?

Many surviving lustres have accumulated replacement glass drops over decades of use and handling. Examining the cut, age, and tint of individual prisms helps determine if the set remains uniform.