Vigil Light 1885 - 1888

This is a "Vigil Light" made from pressed glass by Richards and Hartley Flint Glass Co. between 1867 and 1890. In the Victorian era, glass making saw incredible innovation. The advent of industrialization democratized the production of luxury goods like glass, making them available to a wider population. During a period marked by rapid social change, a "vigil light" transcended mere functionality; it became a symbol. Its delicate form carries a sense of hope, resilience, and remembrance. These objects became intertwined with the intimate rituals of daily life. The light emanating from within was a guiding force through personal and collective hardships. The Vigil Light stands as a poignant reminder of the Victorian era's complex interplay between industrial progress, cultural rituals, and personal narratives. It captures a moment in time when objects became vessels of light and meaning.