Handel's Best Artist, Henry Bedigie

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All you Handel lamp persons, here is Henry Bedigie at his finest. Here for your consideration is a wonderful oil on board by one of Phillip Handel's premiere artists. Fully documented and properly signed. The details and colors are stupendous as is the harbor scene subject matter. One may note that this very harbor scene can be found on some of the Handel reverse painted shades executed by Henry Bedigie. Over all measurements are 4 1/4" x 5 1/4" and totally excellent. Very rare and a truly a find. I have tried to show the magnificent details, American flag, reflections water, boat, birds and sky, done in the "inpasto" heavy paint application.

Henry Bedigie, a Frenchman, a renowned artist in his own right was also one of Phillip Handel's premiere shade painters and a top designer. Measures overall 4.25" 5.25", subject matter 3" x 4".

Philip Handel was best known for the art glass lamps he produced at the turn of the century, at a factory established on the corner of Miller and Catlin Streets in Meriden, Connecticut. Handel made gas and electric lamps with both leaded glass and reverse-painted shades and specialized in techniques for decorating glass. The earliest Handel glass shades were available in a 10" or 12" diameter, with an open top to be used with oil or kerosene bases. It took a great deal of artistic talent to create Handel's reverse painted shades, combining skills in watercolor painting techniques with an eye toward how light would play through the glass and paint to create their three dimensional affects used with landscapes, exotic birds, and elaborate floral patterns. In 1902, a foundry was opened that allowed Handel to make their lamp bases in house as well, allowing the artists working there to experiment in bases which were complementary to the shade designs. Handel lamp bases were mostly made of patinated white metal although some examples of bronze bases do exist. Handel scenic shades often reflect nature although in a much more diverse way than Tiffany or Pairpoint who focused more exclusively on floral designs. Handel did floral shades of course, but also produced unique scenic interpretations such as the bird series, Treasure Island, and many more. Chipped ice shades with a texture similar to overshot glass were produced and were relatively unique to Handel. Shades signed by well known artists such as Henry Bedigie Bailey, Palme, and Parlow are highly valued today by collectors. Teroma lamp shades were created from clear blown glass blanks that were painted on the interior (reverse painted), while Teroma art glass (the decorative vases, humidors, etc. in the Handel Ware line) is painted on the exterior. This type of glassware has a 'chipped ice effect' achieved by sand blasting and coating the surface with fish glue. The piece is then kiln fired at 800 degrees F. The contraction of the glue during the cooling process gives the glass a frosted, textured effect. Some shades are sand-finished, adding additional texture and depth. Both the glassware and chinaware decorated by Handel are rare and command high prices on today's market. Many of Handel's chinaware blanks were supplied by Limoges.

The Handel Company ceased operation in 1936 as their designs succumbed to the new Art Deco aesthetic, but few other vintage lamps are as avidly collected today as the reverse painted and leaded lamps of Handel.