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Lucite: From Wartime Utility to Artistic Medium
The Dunhill Aviary Non-Aquarium Table Lighter exemplifies the ingenious post-war transition of materials into the realm of fine art and collectibles. Lucite, developed during World War II for its robustness and clarity, offered an alternative to glass in military applications, notably in aircraft windows. Its adoption by artists and craftsmen, including the talented Ben Shillingford at Dunhill, signifies a pivotal moment in design history. Shillingford’s expertise in manipulating Lucite to create intricate, painted panels reminiscent of miniature aquariums not only showcases his technical skill but also highlights the material’s versatility and aesthetic potential. This piece embodies the innovative spirit of the era, where functionality and artistry converge.
The Rarity of Shillingford’s Craft
The exclusivity of the Dunhill Aviary lighter is underscored by its limited production and the specialised skill set required for its creation. Ceasing in the 1970s, the manufacture of these lighters was confined to Shillingford and his select team, making each piece uniquely valuable. For collectors and connoisseurs, the lighter is not just an artifact but a symbol of a bygone era of craftsmanship. It represents a niche in decorative arts where technical proficiency and artistic vision merge, offering insight into the post-war period’s cultural and material landscapes.
A Confluence of Art, History, and Natural Wonders
The Dunhill Lucite lighters, particularly those from the Aviary and Field Sports ranges, resonate deeply with the aesthetic and educational ethos of Victorian dioramas, especially those dedicated to birds, fish, or butterflies as seen in institutions like the Natural History and the Horniman Museums in London and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The Aviary range, for example, with its beautifully carved ducks, mirrors the ornithological exhibits that fascinated Victorian society, providing a tangible connection to the era’s drive for discovery and understanding. These lighters, with their intricate carvings and thematic richness, do not merely serve as fabulously functional objects but as miniature dioramas themselves, encapsulating the Victorian fascination with nature, exploration, and the categorisation of knowledge.
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Stock Number: 19975
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