How many technicians does it take to change a light bulb in the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower, loved by most, loathed by the likes of Guy de Maupassant who dined at the Tower daily, “so I don’t have to look at it”.
Fast forward to the year 2000 and – programmed to last one year – lighting designer extraordinaire Pierre Bideau injected sparkle into the Iron Lady whereby, from sunset, for five minutes daily, on the hour, 20,000 light bulbs spark up the iconic monument. Awesome!
Excitingly, 450 bulbs have been dismantled and transformed into must-have decorative objects (paperweights/doorstops, go figure) in “bright red Venice,” the Tour’s original color. Dubbed “Diamants de Lumière” (Diamonds of Light), these authentic light bulbs from the glittering Tower declared to be “colossal and vulgar” by William Morris – are now available.
The concept’s the brain child of the suits at SETE, the company that manages ET and Arteum. The mission statement is “Art Belongs to You” and it was created in 2008 by Lorraine Dauchez. They are producers of upmarket designer pieces inspired by museum collections and exhibitions– available in their bright and exciting Arteum boutiques worldwide.
But how did they do it? Seems that the flash bulbs were removed then fixed on a pliable and riveted steel base reminiscent of the system used by Monsieur Eiffel for the construction of his awesome Lady.
The unique “Diamond of Light” – limited edition of 450 – with numbered certificate of authenticity, available on the site below, is yours for €540 including shipping costs, whatever the destination. Each piece comes with a screenprint “Embracing the Eiffel Tower during the 1889 Universal Exposition” inspired by Caren Georges’ epic engraving.
Definitely on my wish list.
For more information, visit: www.scintillement.toureiffel.paris
Related article: How a Con Man Sold the Eiffel Tower (Twice)
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