Vintage Lighting: Industrial Holophane

Elevate Your Space with Vintage Lighting from Brass Light Gallery

Since 1974, Brass Light Gallery has been the country’s go-to source for vintage lighting that blends made-in-the-USA craftsmanship with sophisticated design sensibilities. Whether you’re curating a historically accurate restoration, crafting a period-inspired new build, or adding timeless character to a modern space, our made-to-order fixtures deliver the perfect mix of form, function, and authenticity.

Each piece is designed and handcrafted in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin production facility, where we specialize in timeless lighting. When you order from Brass Light Gallery, you’ll get personalized, white-glove service and the superior quality that comes from working directly with the designer and manufacturer.

The term "Holophane" is used generically to describe clear molded glass or crystal shades and globes with parallel or crosscut prisms. Vintage Holophanes (circa 1890s-1950s) are outstanding examples of mid-twentieth century industrial art. The crisp clean lines create a beautiful glow when illuminated. Holophane glass was invented in the 1890s and was made in many shapes, sizes and patterns to provide specific types of illumination.  The term "Prismatic" is an alternative term for Holophane glass. Holophane glass is a beautiful choice for industrial lighting. 

The name Holophane was coined by French scientist Andre Bondel and Turkish born engineer, Spiridion Psaroudaki in the 1890s for their newly invented glass. They described the glass in the 1896 US patent #563,836 as having a "luminous appearance over its entire surface... entirely shining," and "having great beauty as well as illuminating power." According to the Holophane Company's website, the term was "derived from the Greek word 'Halos' meaning whole or entire and 'Phanein' meaning to appear or to seem. Thus the word 'Holophane' was defined as to appear completely luminous."

This highly engineered glass was initially made in France in the 1890s. The glass was designed with parallel prisms or ribs on the interior and exterior in order to refract and reflect light, thereby preventing the absorption of light. The engineering provided optimal illumination with little glare. The greater amount of lead used in older glass provided sparkle and life. The glass was originally made for both gas and electric illumination. During the dim gas/electric era in which Holophanes were invented, they were truly state-of-the-art performance lighting.

For the most part, the glass was made by companies under the name Holophane. The Holophane Company was founded by Otis Mygatt in 1896 in London to manufacture "illuminating appliances." At one point, there were three companies under Mygatt's majority ownership with the name "Holophane":  the Holophane Glass Company in the USA, Holophane Ltd. in Britain and Holophane Company in France. There is still a Holophane company in business in the USA today.

At Brass Light Gallery we sell only original vintage Holophanes, primarily circa 1920s - 1950s. These decades-old originals, salvaged from amphitheaters, naval yards and other industrial buildings, are increasingly hard to find. They provide great task lighting for kitchen islands, tables and lofts. Each of our industrial pendant lights are fully restored and rewired for modern use. View our Holophanes available for purchase here.

Authentic Industrial Materials, Made-to-Order Craftsmanship

Holophane lighting is prized for its distinctive prismatic glass shades, originally designed to maximize light diffusion while minimizing glare: a perfect marriage of form and function. At Brass Light Gallery, we craft our industrial holophane vintage lighting from solid brass components, ensuring each fixture offers not only a stunning visual focal point but also optimal performance.

Our commitment to craftsmanship means every piece is built to the highest standards, using military-grade wiring and the finest materials. These fixtures are designed to withstand the demands of both residential and commercial applications, making them ideal for open-concept kitchens, dining rooms, boutique retail spaces, restaurants, or converted industrial lofts.

Custom Options for a Perfect Fit

Many spaces call for more than just off-the-shelf solutions, and that’s where we shine. We offer a wide range of customization options for size, mounting, finishes, and design details. Need a larger pendant for a tall ceiling? Looking to modify the drop length or canopy? Want a custom finish to match other fixtures in the space? Simply contact our team with your requirements, and we’[ll work with you to bring your vision to life.

Versatile for Many Applications

The beauty of industrial holophane vintage lighting is its versatility. It works just as well in modern spaces as it does in more rustic or traditional settings. The combination of textured glass and sturdy brass gives these fixtures a distinctive look that suits both residential and commercial spaces, from kitchen islands to living rooms.

Not only are these fixtures visually appealing, but they’re also practical. Holophane’s prismatic glass is a smart and stylish choice for areas where good lighting matters.
 

Why Brass Light Gallery?

Choosing Brass Light Gallery means investing in American-made quality, long-lasting materials, and made-to-order flexibility. Our industrial holophane vintage lighting offers a rare combination of authentic style, reliable performance, and expert craftsmanship, all backed by the personalized service we’ve been known for since 1974.

Explore our holophane lighting collection today or reach out to our team to discuss how we can help with your next project.