Years ago, when Charles Edwards was starting out as a dealer, he had the prescience to record details of some of the stylish antique lanterns and sconces that passed through his shop. Since 1993, the London dealer has been making reproductions of 19th- and 20th-century English and French lighting. For example, Edwards now offers a pair of Art Déco sconces (below left) that he sold to the late great American decorator Jed Johnson, in his collection of nearly 60 reproduction wall sconces, lanterns, ceiling lights and table lamps.

The Blake, a hanging brass lantern which can be ordered in frosted glass or with a very finely woven nickel mesh (above right), is particularly popular, notes Edwards, who himself is fond of the cast-bronze Pagoda Bell (above left, shown in a verdigris finish). "It has tremendous style and is a perfect example of the English Regency period. It reminds me of Brighton Pavilion, which was the prince regent's folly, his fun palace away from London. There are many details at Brighton that only the rich could afford—such as cast-iron bamboo banister rails—and the design of this light, with the little bells hanging from the brackets, speaks of the whimsy during that period."

Eleven finishes are available, among them antique brass, pewter, nickel, underside bronze and rinsed zinc—all done to impeccable standards. Edwards can be daring—he tried the Regency Gothic hanging lantern in a gilt and red-painted finish, to great success. He also seeks out the unusual. One model (below right) incorporates glass crystals from Osler, which during its heyday in the second half of the 19th century, produced many a crystal chandelier, fountain and even throne for maharajahs.