New Acquisition Spotlight: Dard Hunters Galleon Lamp

William “Dard” Hunter (1883-1966) was one of the more successful craftsmen to come from the Roycroft community of artisans. He worked in many different mediums including furniture, leaded glass, metalwork and lighting. The Galleon Lamp, recently acquired by The Two Red Roses Foundation (TRRF), is a fantastic example of the craftsmanship of Dard Hunter. The Galleon Lamp is a table lamp with leaded glass panels on all four sides of the shade and base, accentuated with oak and copper. Each panel of the shade features a galleon ship, a multi-decked, armed sailing ship used for cargo that sailed the seas between the 14th and 18th centuries. Each ship on the shade has three or more masts with white sails, which stand out against the blue and white sky and blue and green hues of the ocean. On each side of the base, Hunter depicts a close-up image of a banner emblazoned with a red cross pattée, or templar cross, twisting around its pole. When this lamp is illuminated, it emits a soft glow which is a significant feature of Arts and Crafts lighting—the need to avoid strong bright light and replicate a more “natural” light for aesthetic purposes as well as comfort for the eyes.

During his time at Roycroft, Hunter was put in charge of leaded glass production and began to design lighting fixtures both for sale in the catalogue and for use at the Roycroft Inn. The Inn attracted visitors from around the country, and, as they could be prospective customers, he wanted the furnishings to be of the best quality. Guests would see the furniture and objects on display or in use and purchase or commission similar products from Roycroft Shops. It is possible the Galleon Lamp was designed in mind for future prospective customers for it is pictured in a period photograph of the Reading Room in the Roycroft Inn. Unfortunately, that image of the Reading Room is the only evidence the lamp existed. To have this lamp survive in its remarkable pristine condition is nothing short of a miracle and it is a pleasure the Galleon Lamp is now in the TRRF collection.

To view more Dard Hunter lighting designs, visit the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement’s Lighting Gallery located on the third floor.