Redolent of a flower in full bloom, the Dahlia Chandelier is a feat of design ingenuity that embodies the idea of functional art. Designed by Paul Marr Hilliard for Hubbardton Forge, the Dahlia is dynamic in its form, with hand-forged petals flaring outward around a central ring of bulbs. Now a best-seller for its combination of industrial materials and sculptural elegance, the Dahlia embodies Hubbardton Forge’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and unbridled creativity.
“The dual role of a piece being functional and aesthetically captivating at the same time can be challenging, but very rewarding especially considering that the idea usually starts with something as simple as a pencil sketch,” says designer Paul Marr Hilliard of the process behind the Dahlia. “When the design retains the original visual idea, and lights itself and the space well, it’s magical. Luckily there’s a whole team of engineers and craftspeople making the aesthetics of the designs possible and practical to manufacture, while still being a work of art.”
To create the Dahlia, strips of steel are hand-forged by Hubbardton Forge’s expert blacksmiths in Vermont before being bent into the perfect arc-like shape. Blossoming both upward and downward from a central point, the Dahlia has an eye-catching, sculptural look. The pendant’s exposed bulbs offer contrast to the nature-inspired shape of the pendant, while highlighting the angles of each petal and creating a mix of light and shadow wherever the pendant hangs.
“Sometimes inspiration comes from the most basic of forms. I was looking at an image of jewelry that was created by Harry Bertoia, a famous 1950s furniture designer, best known for his diamond pattern metal chair designs,” says Hilliard of his inspiration for the Dahlia. “The organic form of a leaf was repeated throughout the piece, and it really appealed to me.”
Combining a botanical theme with classic materials, the Dahlia has quickly become as timeless as its namesake.
