Lyman (usually just ‘L.’) Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz, one of my personal all-time favourite movies and one to which I know all of the lyrics, including whether the high voiced Munchkins or low-voiced Munchkins sing the lines! It is an absolute classic, as well as the first movie to be made in color, and the classical style of the movie is reflected in the design of this chandelier in the lobby of the Hotel del Coronado, which Mr. Baum also designed. With a total of 25 lamps to make the crystal chains underneath absolutely glow, and elegant styling which is all the more beautiful for being understated, it is just what you’d expect from the writer of such a gorgeous kids movie.

The Hotel del Coronado is two hours south of LA City, and has a view of Coronado island – the hotel takes its name from the island, not the other way round! It was built in 1888, so doubtless would be a lovely place to visit for those of you who, like us, get all jumpy and excited about antiques and classic architecture. It was updated in 2003, a refurbishment which cost $55 million and put considerable effort in to retaining the original style and charm of the place. The floral carpeting is said to be somewhat iridescent, changing hues as you move around the hallway, and the armoires and coffee tables in the lobby are all hand carved.

Frank Baum stayed at ‘the Del’, as it is affectionately known by its regulars, in the twenties and thirties. Back then it was old enough to be just coming back into fashion, after its original stylings would have seemed outdated for the past twenty or so years (think of how we feel about 80s style and fashion nowadays … perms and legwarmers … don’t make me say any more!). Frank was entranced by the lobby, and the Emerald City of the movie is reportedly based on the hotel lobby. Watching the movie, this rings true – you notice when Dorothy and her friends walk through the gates, how ‘indoorsy’ the city feels and looks. In the Emerald City, “We get up at noon and start to work at 1 / Take an hour for lunch and then at 2 we’re done – jolly good fun!”. Sounds like the life indeed, and I’m sure you could feel worse than living in a city modeled on a gorgeous 1880s hotel lobby.

The Wizard of Oz was actually quite controversial when it was published – although its morals are impeccable, and ‘time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion”. I suppose it is this which we chase in refurbishing our home in antique styles – some sort of return to a simpler time, and a slight escape from everyday troubles.

The gorgeous hanging crystal chains on the bottom of Frank Baum’s chandelier can also be attached to any chandelier that you buy from our range.

Photo credits: The Wizard of Oz Chandelier be Hairbrained Blogger

          

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