previously unknown historically important chicago-based beardslee lighting company collection joins the bldg. 51 archive

late last week the bldg. 51 archive secured what likely is the largest collection of 2d ephemera pertaining to the chicago-based beardslee chandelier manufacturing company, established in 1901 by frank s. beardslee.

we begun digitizing some of the collection while attempting to make sense of it all. the number of archival boxes is seemingly endless and each filled with drawings, brochures, newsletters, photographic images, certificates, invoices, ledgers, newspaper clippings, blueprints, specifications for custom work, etc.

the collection was formerly owned by bernice black, who along with husband john black, owned several antique stores in the chicago area during the 1960s. 

the beardslee chandelier manufacturing company of chicago, founded by frank s. beardslee in 1901, was a major innovator in lighting and became one of the largest fabricators in the city.  selling only to the trade, they published lavish, large catalogues every year (plus smaller specialty catalogues, like “fast-ship” products) which are of enormous interest today among collectors.  beardslee prepared beautiful and artistic illustrations when designing lighting for clients, and these pen & ink drawings embellished with watercolors make beautiful decorative works, illustrations of the best in early twentieth century design. 

i've included some images of my efforts to date.

images courtesy of eric j. nordstrom and the bldg. 51 archive. all rights reserved. 2024.