Lot Essay
The Sinumbra (without shadow) lamp was patented in 1809, the reservoir for the oil was formed from a hollow ring which also acted as a support for the shade. Similar to its contemporary lamp the argand, the oil was drawn to the central burner vis curved pipes. They generated a diffused light, ideally placed on centre tables, so characteristic of Regency interiors.
Their special qualities led Thomas Hope to utilise hanging versions to illuminate his Dutch old masters in the mansion at Duchess Street.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Leeds City Art Galleries and Jessica Rutherford, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, Temple Newsam Country House Studies Number 4, The Dorset Press, Great Britain 1992, page 80, examples, figs. 43 and 67.
Jonathan Bourne and Vanessa Brett, Lighting in the Domestic Interior, Renaissance to Art Nouveau, Sotheby's Publications, London 1991. Page 172, examples figs. 576 and 577.
Their special qualities led Thomas Hope to utilise hanging versions to illuminate his Dutch old masters in the mansion at Duchess Street.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Leeds City Art Galleries and Jessica Rutherford, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, Temple Newsam Country House Studies Number 4, The Dorset Press, Great Britain 1992, page 80, examples, figs. 43 and 67.
Jonathan Bourne and Vanessa Brett, Lighting in the Domestic Interior, Renaissance to Art Nouveau, Sotheby's Publications, London 1991. Page 172, examples figs. 576 and 577.