The Hatfield Bulletin, Summer 1937 (Rejuvenation archives)

The 1939 Stylebook of Modern Lighting (Rejuvenation archives)

• All other images from Medieval Line, Lincoln Mfg. Co., c1934
• Catalog Cover
• Inspiration for Elgin
• Inspiration for the Freemont
• Inspiration for the Nicolai

Modern Medieval? Go Figure. . .

Our Fremont, Nicolai, Humphrey, Vincent, Elgin, Oceanside, and La Grande are all based on fixtures originally manufactured during the 1930s by Lincoln Mfg. Co. of Detroit, Michigan. This family of fixtures - the 8050 series - was called The Medieval Line (a not very accurate explanation of their style).

Having said that. . .at the time, they were described as "A stately, dignified group of fixtures, characteristic of the middle ages - very rich in appearance." The Medieval Line remained in Lincoln's catalogue through 1939 at least.

A Stunning Debut

Inspired by French Art Deco ideas, and first introduced around 1930, the "slip-shade" or "slipper-shade" fixture was a revolutionary approach to lighting design. Richly detailed glass shades were designed to fit exclusively in elaborately crafted matching fixtures, creating a romantic, artful, and opulent look unlike anything before.

Ironically, this luxurious style of lighting seemed to directly contradict the economically difficult times it was born into. Or perhaps that was the point?