Illuminated Objects evoke an astonishing time full of fascinating devices- |
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why we illuminate
By liberating objects from obscurity and bringing them back to life in newly illuminated form, Dr. White's works pay tribute to the remarkabe power of light to fix our gaze, free our thoughts, and be at the heart of our making, thinking, and dreaming.
It has been only a few short generations since electrification altered the course of history.
With the miraculous Edison bulb, humanity was finally freed from sputtering candles, oil lamps and fire. This welcome invention filled rooms and streets with steady, carefree brilliance that changed life for good.
Mighty grids and networks followed to bring power to this humble instrument of glass, tungsten and light. All the objects of our electrical lives poured through the doors that Edison's invention opened.
Illuminated Objects are an embodiment of this amazing time.
It has been only a few short generations since electrification altered the course of history.
With the miraculous Edison bulb, humanity was finally freed from sputtering candles, oil lamps and fire. This welcome invention filled rooms and streets with steady, carefree brilliance that changed life for good.
Mighty grids and networks followed to bring power to this humble instrument of glass, tungsten and light. All the objects of our electrical lives poured through the doors that Edison's invention opened.
Illuminated Objects are an embodiment of this amazing time.
What makes an Illuminated object
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Illuminated Objects combine art and engineering to create pieces are unique, inspirational and functional. As the Doctor says, they are "artworks that work."
Each piece presents unique challenges and inspiration as we work to capture its essence and assure its function. The end result must be beautiful, captivating, and pleasing to the heart and hand before it can be called an Illuminated Object. |
Most of the Objects we create are from vintage devices, and are one-of a kind. Others are made from reproductions or are designed entirely in the Illuminarium - our very busy laboratory - to recreate and evoke devices from the Era of Electrification.
With each Object, we work to preserve and highlight aspects of its original functionality. Telephones that illuminate by lifting the receiver; typewriters that brighten and dim with the paper advance; radios that play music of the era (and of your choice) - each illustrates how we use illumination to call forth the fascinating functionality of older technologies and convey the excitement they generated when new.
With each Object, we work to preserve and highlight aspects of its original functionality. Telephones that illuminate by lifting the receiver; typewriters that brighten and dim with the paper advance; radios that play music of the era (and of your choice) - each illustrates how we use illumination to call forth the fascinating functionality of older technologies and convey the excitement they generated when new.
HOw we work
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Each Illuminated Object is built by hand with practiced skill, clear and inspired vision, and extraordinary care.
The majority of the many hours spent creating an Illuminated Object are spent in detailed thought - both creative and technical - before executing the vision for the piece. Creating an Illuminated Object takes a great deal of discipline and attention to detail as each presents it own unique challenges and opportunities to demonstrate creativity and craftsmanship. The Doctor's approach to each piece is to synthesize its original function in harmony with its new illuminated life. The success of the effort is measured by the response an Illuminated Object evokes. Our greatest satisfaction is seeing in the eyes and expressions of our visitors and their excitement and fascination and as each Object is demonstrated. |
Before all other considerations, however, come safety, reliability and functionality. Circuits are built only with certified materials, and each device is thoroughly tested for soundness and reliability. We are passionate and meticulous about our work - in many ways, each device is our progeny in which we take great pride.
While the unique nature of each object prohibits warranties of any kind, we stand firmly behind our craftsmanship, and we resolve any issue related to any piece to our patrons' satisfaction. Many hundreds of pieces have found homes with our patrons, and we have yet to have a single one return.
While the unique nature of each object prohibits warranties of any kind, we stand firmly behind our craftsmanship, and we resolve any issue related to any piece to our patrons' satisfaction. Many hundreds of pieces have found homes with our patrons, and we have yet to have a single one return.
Who We are
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