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Monday, November 16, 2009

Chandelier Peachy: The Library Chandelier - Gracie Mansion Chandeliers





Neither candles nor gas were used to produce light in this English light fixture, but oil. Called an Argand lamp after the Swiss inventor who invented and patented the process, oil was stored in the center reservoir – here, urn-shaped –  and funneled to wicks located in glass chimneys. Argand lamps burned brighter and longer than candles. The fixture was made in London, circa 1820, and is attributed to the manufacturer Johnston Brookes & Co.  Today you will see it in the Library of Gracie mansion.  Peachy Deegan loves it!
We recommend Tours of the Gracie Mansion!

Tours at Gracie Mansion
Gracie Mansion was built by Archibald Gracie, a prosperous shipping merchant, as a summer house for his family in 1799.  Gracie’s friends included political, civic, and artistic leaders of the day; Alexander Hamilton, Governor De Witt Clinton, Rufus King, Josiah Quincy, Joseph Bonaparte, and Washington Irving were all visitors to the House. During construction of the FDR Drive, Parks Commissioner Robert Moses convinced city officials to designate Gracie Mansion as the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York, and in 1942, Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia moved in. Since that time, nine mayors have made Gracie Mansion their home. In 2002, the interior and exterior of the House were restored, transforming Gracie Mansion into the “People’s House,” providing increased accessibility to the public. Gracie Mansion is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City.



Tea Tours continue the tradition of Gracie’s celebrated hospitality and are available for groups of 25-50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at $25 per person. A selection of delicious, homemade tea sandwiches, teacakes and scones are served.



General Tours are on most Wednesdays at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 2 PM. General admission is $7 for adults,  $4 for seniors, and students are admitted free of charge.  Tours last approximately forty-five minutes.



School Tours are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and school groups are free of charge. 



Reservations are required for all tours. To make reservations for individuals or groups, or to volunteer or to help support the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, please call 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside of New York City). 

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