If you are a longtime reader of my blog you know that every now and again I get up on my well designed soapbox made from reclaimed wood and extol the virtues of living green. So when I first saw this wonderful creation entitled “One Man’s Treasure Lamp” by artist Robert Ogden my eyes (pardon the pun) lit up. I had to know more.
Mr. Ogden is an artist who resides in Germantown, PA. He initially moved to Philadelphia for a job with Anthropologie. This came as no surprise to me. I have often spoke of my adoration for that store which is well known for its one of a kind fabulousness. Clearly, this clever man fits their bill perfectly with his extraordinary talents of turning old sewing machine and plumbing parts coupled with general junk into truly one of a kind treasures.
In 1996 Mr. Ogden, a self taught artist and metalsmith, began a company called True Resources. It sold his furniture, brilliantly repurposed decor and of course, lamps. In 2002 he turned the operation over to Ben Beiler and the company was renamed Peddler’s Home Design. Mr. Ogden remains the chief designer and now travels the globe in search of inspirational objects which he magically transforms into metallic feasts for the eyes.
You can find his delightful designs through retailers such as Mothology, Sundance Catalog and smart former employer Anthropologie. At this point and time his objets d’art remain a bit out of my price range. However, I must say that on my quest to create a lamp of my own, I found that just a single component to his designs, such as an antique mercury shade, are quite pricey. Given the materials and work involved his prices are justified and this is saying something as you know how frugal I am. Indeed after many bidding war losses on Ebay, I had to forgo my dream of creating a lamp and sadly wrote a term paper instead. The topic was on Salvaged Lighting. I of course noted my artistic crush on Mr. Ogden and it would seem that my teacher fell in love with him as well. I got an A.
With just one look I know that many of you will jump on the I Adore Robert Ogden bandwagon too. How can you not admire a man who created a beautiful kitchen from cabinets obtained from the As Is section of Ikea? His countertops rival lovely soapstone which are made from… are you ready for this: bathroom stall dividers. Then there is the lighting. I am swooning for his ceiling lamps which are truly whimsical delights. 
Although I haven’t yet created my own one of a kind luminary masterpiece, rest assured, the desire is still there. My journey began last Friday when I took a class on soldering. I’ll share my creations from the class in an upcoming post.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway one post down.
Be lit from within,
Laura
