“Illumination devices” were considered focal points in a room, combining lighting with artistic styling.  A lot of thought was given to the design: good line and proportions, fine detail and workmanship.  These fixtures were meant to enhance your life as well as light your room!  The modern approach to lighting seems to focus on function, with little or no thought to pleasing the eye.

A Little History...

We set out into the vast world of antique lighting in 1987 while restoring a 100-year-old house.  We reconditioned the windows, railings, woodwork, down to the latches and hinges on the doors.  A friend and antiques dealer saw how we revived the neglected old chandeliers and lamps and encouraged us to test the growing market for antique lighting.

In 1994, we officially became The Antique Lighthouse.  In 1999 we launched AntiqueLighthouse.com.  In December 2001 we opened our new showroom and restoration workshop for all aspects of antique lighting and general antique restoration.

ROLLIN WILBER is a concert pianist and composer.

“I play piano recitals year-round from Bach and Chopin to Joplin and Gershwin, but I’ve always been drawn to composing for the human voice. I’ve created a series of performances called Stories in Harmony that combines classical piano and the spoken word. Recently, I completed a song-cycle set to poems by Eugene Field, and am working on an opera based on the Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Sea-Maid.  For me, playing music in an uninterrupted flow of magical inspiration is the greatest thing in the world.”

SALLY LOU NATION is a singer, actor and gardener.

“I’ve been a performer all my life.  I’ve always loved folk music, and have a large repertoire of old ballads.  Rollin and I perform unique recitals together, combining folk and classical music. I’ve worked in theater for many years.  I love to garden, and have done extensive landscape designing.  I have learned more about sharing from my garden than from anything else in life.  I don’t make flowers grow, I provide a climate and they give back their beautiful blossoms.”

Click to view a Philadelphia Inquirer Article on The Antique Light House by Melissa Dribben in Adobe PDF or Macromedia Flash Format.

We give ourselves fully to our art.  We do the same in our business.  In revealing the beauty and integrity innate to each antique, we strive to weave our practical and artistic pursuits together as one.