The Cooper Foil Method

Different color stained glass pieces have been joined together to form a design by using metal strips known as came strips down through the ages. These metal strips have been made of lead, zinc and brass used to create stained glass windows, glass table lamps and other stained glass items. Then in the 19^th century a revolutionary method for creating stained glass designs was created which worked especially well in the production of stained glass lamps. This process was called the copper foil method and used copper foil as a replacement for lead or other metal cames. There is some debate as to whether this method was first invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany or his rival John La Farge. However, Tiffany’s glass studios were where this method was perfected. This innovation allowed for intricate designs with leaves, petals and stems to be used in the shades of Tiffany Lamps. This method gave a golden glow to the tiffany table lamp or tiffany floor lamp.

This innovation allowed Louis Comfort Tiffany to provide lamps that continue to be treasured today as antique lamps just as they were treasured when they were first produced. Today an original Tiffany Lamp can cost thousands of dollars which is too expensive for many people to afford. This is why affordable reproductions of Tiffany Lamps, known as Tiffany-Style Lamps continue to be handcrafted today using the same copper foil method. An example of such a lamp is the “LESLIE” Tiffany-Style Victorian 3 Light Double Lit Table Lamp 18” Shade that is produced by Chloe Lighting, Inc. which is pictured here.