Hand-stitched Silk Lampshade, Made to Order
This shade is a love letter to Harry Clarke — one of Ireland's most extraordinary and beloved artists, born in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day, 1889.
The Lady of the Decoration was created by Clarke in 1914 as a colour lithograph for a calendar commissioned by John Duthie, a Glaswegian paint supplier and friend of Clarke's father. The original watercolour recently entered the national collection and is now on permanent display at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.
The central panels are printed directly onto silk in my studio in Co. Leitrim, then hand-stitched onto the frame and backed with a double layer of raw silk to strengthen the weave, protect the ink, and diffuse the light with that warm, honeyed glow that only natural fabric produces.
The side panels are covered in a rich peacock teal fabric, overlaid with a separate glistening gold lace — a deliberate echo of the extraordinary gown Clarke has dressed his lady in. The fringe is hand dip-dyed in the same vivid lemon yellow and deep teal that Clarke used at the heart of the piece, so that lit or unlit, the shade remains in constant conversation with the artwork that inspired it. Finished with an antique gold braid trim.
Materials: Silk, raw silk backing, peacock teal fabric, gold lace overlay, hand dip-dyed fringe, antique gold braid trim
Made to order: Please allow 4 – 5 weeks for completion — each shade is lovingly crafted by hand. Shipping is worldwide.
Fitting: Please contact us to confirm your fitting requirements before ordering
Bulb: A cool LED bulb is essential — warm or halogen bulbs generate heat that may damage the delicate silk and fabrics. A cool (blue toned) bulb will create a glow that's more faithful to the colour of the art, however this is totally up to you!
Care: Dust gently with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from direct moisture.
Please note you are buying the shade only. Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to discuss a matching lamp base
Each House of Shmooze shade is made by hand, individually, in Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
