In 2016, Aurora Lampworks began restoration of the (22) massive, 90-socket, cast-bronze chandeliers in the Rose Reading Room and Bill Blass Catalog Room. Aurora Lampworks cleaned, rewired, and retrofitted each chandelier.

As the huge dance floor was erected a harrowing 4 stories high, an elaborate trolley system was also devised to lower each chan­delier by electric chain fall. Each fixture, estimated to weigh 1500 pounds, was lowered to a workable height of approximately 5' off the ground - falling neatly between the scaffolding and without hitting the tables. 

Aurora's comprehensive condition report of each fixture revealed that numerous cast brass decorative bobeches were missing - pre­sumably they had either fallen or had been removed to ensure that they wouldn't fall. A number of improvisations had been made over the years to hold them on - some lasted longer than others. To solve this issue, we devised a new system to secure the bobeches me­chanically to new cast brass 2-part sockets. 

After assessing the lighting needs of the space, Aurora presented (2) new lamping options, and the library chose the TCP 8 watt LED bulbs. These bulbs not only do the job of original 9 watt compact fluorescent bulbs, but they do so with greater lumen output.

Before the restoration, the library had to replace lightbulbs every 8,000 hours; the new bulbs have a lifetime of 25,000 hours, pro­viding impressive reduction in maintenance. Between disruption to the space and labor hours, the cost savings is substantial. 

Awards:
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, The New York Landmarks Conservancy, New York Public Library, 2017