Herve van der Straeten | 'Lustre' Chandelier

Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh’s famous and much loved jewellers and silversmiths, were established just over 150 years ago in 1866. Robert Kirk Inches and his uncle James Hamilton, opened the first store on Princes Street in May 1866. In 1952 the firm moved to their current premises, a five storey townhouse, at 87 George Street. This William IV building was designed by David Bryce in 1835, the fine period spaces lending themselves well to the display of exquisite goods. The firm have always cared deeply about the environment in which their stock is displayed. Archive photographs show fine 19^th century furnishings, some of which are still used by their clientele today. In keeping with this tradition of creating showrooms that are ‘special’, this chandelier was acquired for their iconic “fireplace” area, cleverly suspended from Bryce’s historic plaster and glazed barrel-vaulted ceiling. The firm are now embarking upon a considered process of restoration and, as part of that process, are delighted to be able to offer this extraordinary light fitting, an object, which for a brief period, was a part of their extraordinary history.