Calgary interior designer finds… vintage Schonbek chandelier

This interior design find is not what you would expect at all. I’m sure your thoughts went to crystals, and drops, and extravagance right? Nope.

Made by Schonbek when they were a Canadian company, founded by a young Arnold Schonbek in Montreal, Quebec, this one is definitely a custom order.

A spun metal, brass plated, spaceship-like, eight light, mid century modern confection that hovers over my head in my office at Seventy Seventy Design Headquarters.

What a tale it has to tell though. Originally installed in the Shareey Tzedek synagogue on 17th Avenue SE in 1959, ground breaking for its modern architecture, it most recently presided, with its seven other compatriots, over the Calgary Centre for Positive Living congregation

In 2012 the building was sold and slated for demolition to prepare for a residential condo tower. The new owner enlisted a local contractor who specializes in salvage to strip the building in advance and I am happy to say that many features and fixtures exist all over southern Alberta (and possibly farther).

The remaining light fixtures were purchased by my client and installed in their golf course banquet room; in a ceiling custom designed to accommodate not only the seven bowl lights like mine but also this beauty:

A gorgeous 10 foot diameter 48 light stunner that now presides over wedding celebrants once again.

Full Circle.

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If you love beautiful vintage items, contact us, and we can help infuse your home with interior design details that hold history.