Between 1900 and 1950 schoolhouse-style shades and light fixtures were widely used in private residences and institutional settings, including schools, galleries and libraries. Originally produced in hundreds of designs and sizes, these shades and fixtures were a popular choice of architects and homeowners alike. But by the 1960s only a handful of designs remained in production.

A few years ago, I discovered a collection of original cast-iron moulds in an upstate New York warehouse, all but forgotten for more than a half century. Once covered with layers of rust and dirt, these moulds have been restored and returned to production. This collection represents some of the best examples of true American lighting design and is the inspiration behind Schoolhouse Electric Co.

Replicating more than 100 light fixtures from the early 1900s to the middle of the 20th century has earned our small company much praise from around the United States. Our period fixtures and shades and hand-crafted production process preserve the heritage and integrity of authentic American lighting design. Our products are at home in old and new environments, and at Schoolhouse Electric Co. we celebrate our customers' success in placing our fixtures in period-appropriate environments as well as in eclectic settings.

Our lighting fixtures and shades add beauty and grace to so many spaces. The resounding feedback thus far has been how truly versatile our products are. In residences, storefronts, lofts, offices, restaurants, public and private buildings-you name it, we fit the task!

We have discovered more fabulous moulds and fixture patterns, including an aspiring collection of art deco, arts and crafts, early electric, transitional, art nouveau, colonial revival and classic modern pieces. Our hand-painted shade line doubled in 2005 with new inspiring colors that beckon you back to yesterday, yet meet the design challenges of today's interior environments.

The success of our first catalog was staggering! Our Portland store was warmly received and our new production factory is brimming with activity. So what's next? We are proud to introduce to our East Coast customers a showroom in New York City in the emerging design district of Tribeca. The heritage of our products is as important to us as it is to you, and bringing our handblown shades and hand-crafted fixtures home to their birthplace is part of our mission.

Thank you for sharing your passion of truly inspirational lighting products with us; your passion drives ours! Come see what we've discovered by discovering us.

Now that you've visited us online, please order our free catalog and visit our Portland and New York showrooms!

Best regards,

Brian Faherty
Owner/Founder