Mary L. Kelly

I have a thing for lamps

Some people when they travel pick up refrigerator magnets, or tea towels, or perfume, or chocolates. They make lovely gifts. I buy those, too, for family and friends as little gifties from my travels. 

But, I have a thing for lamps. 

I have no idea when this obsession began, but it's a hard one to kick. It might have been when I saw a 1930s standing brass lamp in an alley. "Stop the car!" I screeched at my husband. "I must have it. It's a gem." He rolled his eyes, but stopped. I taught myself how to rewire that lamp and bought a sweet little lampshade for it. It's a perfect reading lamp. Perfect. 

I found a small 1940s lamp with an original shade at a secondhand store (I rewired that one, too). I gave it to my sister for Christmas, for her mantel, she treasures it. That was really tough, I nearly kept it and bought her something from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I think about it frequently. See what I mean? 

I was visiting a friend in Sioux City, Iowa, and we stopped at an antique store. I saw two brass lamps (such patina!) with red silk shades in excellent condition. The owner said that they likely came out of a brothel.                   

Sold!

And then there's my alabaster lamp I paid five bucks for eons ago which was far less than the bawdy house ones. And recently I had to donate to our local secondhand store my favorite pair of 1930s glass etched lamps I no longer have room for. 

I so hope someone runs up to them and says, "Oh, I must have these!!!"