… Another Man's Treasure

HauteStuff - Bling’s the Thing

In terms of creative evolution, I have widened my inventive focus to accommodate the inclusion of anatomical as well as home décor. Still based on the premise of sourcing vintage elements and blending them to create the novel nouveau, the process is the same as fabricating chimes and lights but on a miniature scale - a challenge to be sure and one to hopefully result in visual refinement. Many from which to choose - many more to come. Prices start at $95

Glass Ball Torchiére-Type Lamp

One-of-a-kind brass and copper hand made torchiére comprised of components from vintage light fixtures, an element from an Indian table stand and a sand-embedded glass shade. Lit with a vintage-type Edison bulb and configured with new wire, flick switch and wall plug. Stands 22.5" high, base is 7". Lovely warm glow - suitable for table, dresser or desk. Totally unique - not another like it in the world. $375

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Ruffled, Solid Brass, Hand-crafted Table, Desk, Dresser Lamp

Unique and original standing fixture comprised of hand-crafted selection of vintage, recycled lamp and other decorative parts. Stands 20" by 6" and comes replete with modern wiring, click switch, wall plug and chandelier bulb. Delicate frosted floral glass shade containing frosted oval variation topped with open brass cap. One of a kind - custom orders available.
Regards, Gary

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New Moon Chandelier

Hand-crafted of numerous recycled decorative elements and brass vintage lamp components, various glass prisms and a large vintage, mottled, French white glass ball, if you can appreciate a unique and original deco chandelier, this piece aptly referred to as “New Moon” might appeal to you. Elegant, chic and casting a warm, rich, textured glow, this piece will flatter any interior décor, themed or eclectic, commercial or residential. Comes replete with new wiring, click switch, regular bulb and wall plug and a generous length of brass chain. 24 by 15 inches of delicious eye candy. More to come.
Regards, Gary

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Torchière-style Table Lamp

Unique and original table fixture hand-crafted from a selection of vintage, recycled lamp and other decorative brass pieces including portions of an Indian table stand, several oil lamp elements, two light fixture canopies and an inverted, fluted, glass shade. Stands 21" by 6" and comes replete with modern wiring, click switch, wall plug and small regular frosted bulb. Thick clear glass shade emits a lighthouse-type effect and is topped off by a removable filigreed ornate cap. Only one like it. Will ship anywhere - please request quote for accurate cost. One-of-a-kind - custom orders available.
Regards, Gary

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Twin Pendant Wall Sconce

The canopy of this handsome sconce is a composition of a repurposed circular table lamp base and three decoratively layered, filagreed brass components. From it are suspended two vertically compatible, conical brass elements with polished pendant arms from which hang twin vintage sockets and a pair elegant frosted, fluted glass shades. Being a personal favourite, I wouldn’t mind at all if it never got passed the studio door. None-the-less, it comes complete with modern wiring, click switch and wall plug. It hangs to a depth of 16" and a width of 10.5" (40.64cm x 26.67cm). And like every fixture I create, there’s not another like it.
Regards, Gary

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One-of-a-Kind, Custom, Swan Themed Sconce

Customized to reflect a client’s preference for all things winged is this latest pendant sconce. It is an assemblage of a table lamp base and a duo of decorative, brass fixture elements with an ornate, graceful swan arm from whose beak a vintage socket, a brass holder and a frosted, patterned, shade are suspended. Replete with modern wiring, click switch and wall plug. I can customize any style of lamp to your requirements.
Regards, Gary ...SOLD

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Comfortably Ensconced

For my second foray into the sconce genre, I present an ornate, amber-lit pendant lamp. Classical in appearance, it is composed entirely of generously filagreed brass components and illuminated by an oblong, frosted, delicately patterned cut glass shade containing an amber chandelier incandescent bulb. Comprised of the usual vintage lamp components, it would compliment any den, dining, living or bed room wall. Comes complete with new wiring, click switch and wall plug, ready for service.
Regards, Gary

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Steampunk, Industrial Bohemian Table or Desk Lamp

Comprised of an elongated wine glass-shaped shade with an identical miniature frosted version set within, they perch on an urn-shaped floor lamp component which in turn is mounted on a brass trophy element, a canopy and an ornate cast base. The piece stands 24" high and is fabricated replete with modern wiring, a palm switch and wall plug. As usual, one-of-a-kind. ... SOLD

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Turning the Tables

In a new direction but comprised of the usual fare sits this original table lamp. Starting from the top is an inverted, frosted glass shade set within an inverted glossy black shade which in turn is comfortably nestled in the identical curvature of a brass canopy. Three ornate finials plus various and sundry brass pieces sitting on a filagree lamp base round out the parts list. More of these to come. Custom orders on request.
I sadly bid adieu to my rustic (emphasis on rust) chime fabricated entirely from items recovered on the shoreline of Toronto’s Spit. Its new residence is Massimo’s Studio Kitchen at 507 King Street East. Sold yes, but with visitation rights. ...SOLD

Elegant and Swanky

SOLD - but with visitation rights

How to Get Lit Without Touching a Drop

Having recently discovered a simple but unique method of removing the extremities from wine bottles, I present the first of my latest contributions to the sconce genre. Fabricated from the usual vintage brass lamp components, an elegant green vessel, a foot of brass chain and fitted with a low wattage chandelier bulb, this wall sconce is handsomely suitable for the illumination of any residential or commercial décor. Not counting the 6' of new cord, the unit extends approximately 23" in length by 6.5" wide (58.42cm x 16.51cm). I will customize to your requirements and can easily accommodate ceiling mounted, multiple shade fixtures - examples to come. ... SOLD similar pieces available

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Solid Brass Components

For the Eccentric, Electric Eclectic

For those with a taste for the eclectic and original, I present my first wall hanging pendant lamp. Entirely comprised of brass elements, upon close inspection you’ll discover a decorative Far Eastern incense turret, an Italian wall canopy, an arched bracket from a French fixture, a solid brass, late 1800’s pulley, actual vintage cloth-covered wiring, a bakelite palm switch and matching wall plug. With sufficient wire to hang from 10ft. above the floor, it comes with a solid rubber wedge to hold the unit at any desired height. Like all my creations, you are assured that there’s only one in the world. This fixture would make a totally unique holiday gift. I will mail anywhere but please inform me in advance of the destination to get an accurate cost for shipment. Regards, Gary

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Luminosity Curiosity

Atypical of the customary light fixture fare is this art deco pendant entirely fabricated from recycled, repurposed, vintage lamp components. Created atop a 20’s alabaster globe with a hand-painted floral arrangement on the interior surface, its flattering glow accentuates its surroundings with a soft, candle-like warmth. Previously part of another fixture, the large inverted funnel, as luck would have it, positioned perfectly between the suspension studs of the globe. The hand-burnished, bronze patina finish lends a flattering contrast to the alabaster and the addition of crystal prisms provides a further touch of individuality to this reborn original, one-of-a-kind hanging lamp.
Its dimensions are 13" wide by a depth of 22" (33.02cm x 55.88cm) and it comes with a generous length of similarly finished chain and matching canopy. Approximate weight is 8lbs. Ships anywhere in the world.
Regards, Gary

COMING SOON. An entirely original and unique hanging wall-mount fixture made from an incense burner.

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Full Steam Ahead!

Expanding the style range, this unusual pendant piece is a definite departure from any of my previously created fixtures. Strictly fabricated to be a light source and void of any audible décor, it’s comprised of elements from a vintage pot light, a floor lamp’s filigree base, a chromed ceiling mount fixture, chromed ring from a chandelier and numerous other items. It is atypically entirely silver and brushed metallic in finish and constructed in the steampunk style. Suitable for residential or commercial venues alike, it comes replete with a generous length of chromed chain and matching canopy. It is approximately 11" in depth and 13" wide.

For more information or a studio visit, just call. 416 422-4690

Regards, Gary

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Flip the Light Fantastic

I am continuously amazed at the persistent role coincidence plays in my life - and it’s effect on my art is no exception. Recently, at the suggestion of many valued opinions, I made the decision to adapt electric or votive lighting into the fabrication of my pieces. Within a matter of days, at a spot in my building designated for discarded items, sat a cardboard box containing an old light fixture comprised of over 100 crystal prisms. Since then, two other lots of crystals have magically come my way. Merely think... and thou shalt receive.
So, at the behest of serendipity, I present my first combination of chimes and electrically lit chandelier in the steampunk style. Previously a mere chime but a relatively simple adaptation, this fixture has been additionally adorned with crystal prisms and chandelier bulbs... and is admittedly, more appealing - and now, even more so, one-of-a-kind. For more information or to visit the studio, please call 416 422-4690.

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Introducing Chimelights

Totally unique and original, this first chimelight is a sensorial combination of tea light chandelier and sound chimes. Having already created over 20 different wind chimes from vintage brass lamp components and any other metallic elements emitting a pleasant ring, it only seemed a natural progression to incorporate the warmth and glow of candlelight. The chimes consist of bridle brasses, computer rings and a broad selection of other audible and ocular paraphernalia. Sure to be a focal point of any location in which it’s suspended, this fixture adds a new dimension of artistic originality to the décor of any environment, whether residential or commercial. The piece measures 19" deep by 12" wide (48.26cm x 30.48cm) and comes replete with a generous length of brass chain and a canopy with which to mount it. Like every item I create, it is the only one of its kind in the world. If you have any questions or would like to set up a convenient time to see any fixtures in person, feel free to get in touch. 416 422 4690 ghelps@rogers.com

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Variety Is the Spice of Light

Half the satisfaction of creating these unique fixtures is locating the many bits and pieces I regularly source from antique markets, recycling depots, dumpsters (sorry Mom) and various shops. There is no specific plan for building them - each creation is a free-form, trial-and-error puzzle which entirely depends on coincidence for all its unrelated elements to be artfully pieced together.
This particular chandelier is no exception as it’s comprised of over 30 individual solid brass components not including the profusion of coins suspended from its filigreed canopy.
At exactly 30" deep and 16" across (91.44cm x 40.64cm), it is one of my most imposing variations to date. And you are guaranteed there’s not another like it on the planet.
If you have any questions or you’d like to set up a convenient time to visit my Corktown studio to view and/or hear the entire chimes and light collection, feel free to call.

Regards, Gary 416 422-4690 ghelps@rogers.com

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And Then There Was Light...

After many suggestions and minimal debate, the logical next step in the evolution of these sculptures was to enhance their functionality with the addition of lighting... either by votives and/or electricity. The accompanying photos feature my first endeavour. This piece is my typical assemblage of vintage brass lamp components, although void of the usual audible chime elements, but embellished instead with teardrop light bulbs and 4 dozen crystal prisms. The elegant glass vessel protruding from the bottom of the fixture is actually a lab flask which, by exquisite coincidence, snugged perfectly into its bell-shaped brass pendant.

The piece appears reminiscent of a fixture one might find suspended from the dining room ceiling of a Jules Verne submarine and could potentially be categorized as “steampunk”. But I’ll leave that interpretation to the eye of the beholder.

This unit can be illuminated by either incandescent or LED bulbs depending on your choice of intensity and comes replete with a generous length of chain and a ceiling mount fixture. Like every piece I create, there’s only one in the world. There are however, many other unique pieces in the works which I will be featuring in short order. Meanwhile, if you’d like to personally view the collection or if you require further detail or information just call. 416 422-4690

Rescued from the Wreck of Jules Verne’s Submarine (not really)

Beauty Too, Is in the Ear of the Beholder

This particular effort was created with larger bits and pieces scrounged from my recycled metals supplier and presented to him as a gift in hopes that I could interrupt their busy routine on a more regular basis in order to source more material. Apparently it worked. Although not as elegant, intricate or polished as my usual fare, this industrial themed number was my first foray into the vertical, tubular chimes and much to my surprise, it imparted an unexpected rich and resounding tone. More to come.

Regards, Gary

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The Chimes They Are A-changin’

Having spent so many years in advertising with a suppressed yearning to vent my creativity in a personal manner, I suppose I could have delved into the pastels or perhaps oils. But why only satisfy one sensorial passion when capable of expressing two, or even three. Hence, audible sculptures in the guise of chimes. They not only beg to be viewed but beckon to be touched and will respond to such inquisitiveness with melodic allure. No two look or sound alike. You can satisfy two senses by clicking below or, for the optimum effect, you can fully experience the entire collection at my Corktown studio.

Regards, Gary