The Magnificent V&A Rotunda Chandelier: A Glass Sculpture by Dale Chihuly
📍Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Neighborhood: South Kensington
Dimensions: 27 × 12 × 12 feet (8.2 × 3.7 × 3.7 m)
Material: Blown Glass
Type: Sculpture
The Rotunda Chandelier hangs at the entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum of decorative arts and design.
The Ice Blue and Spring Green glass blown chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly was installed in 1999. It was then altered in 2001 to make it bigger and better.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, nestled in the charming South Kensington neighborhood of London, is renowned for its collection of decorative arts and design. Among its many treasures, there's one remarkable piece that captures the attention of all who enter – the V&A Rotunda Chandelier, a stunning glass sculpture by American artist Dale Chihuly.
The Rotunda Chandelier makes a beautiful contrast with the Victoria & Albert’s museum architecture.
A Work of Art Meets a Source of Light
The Rotunda Chandelier, also known as the Ice Blue and Spring Green Chandelier, was originally installed in 1999 but underwent significant alterations in 2001, making it bigger and even more captivating. This magnificent piece is not your typical lighting fixture; it's a sculpture that graces the entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Artistry Behind the Chandelier
Dale Chihuly, a renowned American glass artist, is the mastermind behind this exceptional chandelier. His artistry is celebrated for its vibrant colors, intricate glass forms, and dramatic installations. The Chihuly chandeliers are no exception and have become iconic representations of his craft.
Did you know?
The rotunda chandelier is not really a lighting fixture, but a sculpture
📍V+A Museum, London| Ice Blue and Spring Green Chandelier by Dale Chihuly photo by Nadia Bouzid
📍V+A Museum, London| Ice Blue and Spring Green Chandelier by Dale Chihuly photo by Nadia Bouzid
The Chandelier's Features
The V&A Rotunda Chandelier measures an impressive 27 feet in length, comprised of 1,300 blue and green glass elements. Its creation was a meticulous process that took five days to assemble. This masterpiece is part of Chihuly's 'Chandelier' series, which began in 1992.
The Technique and Installation
Technically, the chandelier is a hanging sculpture, a concept Chihuly has favored throughout his career. His technique allows the glass to naturally shape itself, resulting in pieces that communicate a range of aesthetic experiences.
The massive size of the chandelier and the delicate nature of the glass necessitated special accommodations by the museum. The ceiling had to be reinforced before installation, and cleaning the chandelier requires meticulous care. Each piece of glass is cleaned individually by a technician on a raised platform, a process that takes several days and must be completed before the museum opens.
The Victoria & Albert museum houses a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. Making it one of the world’s leading museums of art and design.
The Rotunda Chandelier is now part of the Victoria + Albert ‘s permanent collection.
THE MUSEUM COURTYARD |📍V+A Museum, London | photo by Nadia Bouzid
📍Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, London |photo by Nadia Bouzid
The Museum holds some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewelry, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.
A Dazzling Duplicate in Singapore
If you're unable to make it to London, there's a treat waiting for you in Singapore. A duplicate of the 1999 version of the chandelier graces the entrance atrium of Scotts Square, a shopping center and residential complex. Like its counterpart in London, natural light shines down on the glass structure, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and color.
The V&A Rotunda Chandelier is a testament to the union of art and design, showcasing the talent and creativity of Dale Chihuly. It's not just a source of light; it's a radiant masterpiece that enriches the ambiance of the Victoria and Albert Museum, making it a must-see for art and design enthusiasts.
Plan a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, and you'll be treated not only to a world-class collection but also to the breathtaking beauty of the Rotunda Chandelier. It's a testament to the artistry of Dale Chihuly and the enduring power of glass as a medium for artistic expression.
Temple of the Sun
Location: Paradise Island Bahamas
Artist: Dale Chihuly
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