Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Lighting Restoration & Custom Solutions
Aurora Lampworks has been serving architectural, design, and restoration communities for over 40 years. Founded by Dawn Ladd in 1983, our company began as a lampshade restoration business and evolved into a UL-certified leader in historic lighting restoration, replication, and contemporary fixture fabrication. Our team of designers, artisans, blacksmiths, and conservators specializes in working with diverse materials to preserve historic integrity while integrating modern technologies like LED lighting. We hold a New York State WBE certification and have completed nationally acclaimed projects for landmark buildings, museums, and private clients. Our work adheres to strict UL safety standards while maintaining the cultural and aesthetic value of original fixtures.We provide comprehensive services including on-site assessments, condition reporting, finish conservation, and field evaluations for UL listing. Our expertise spans gas-to-electric conversions, historic replication from architectural drawings, and custom fabrication of both functional and artistic lighting solutions. We prioritize sustainability through restoration rather than replacement, aligning with our conservationist philosophy. Our projects often involve collaboration with architects, designers, and institutions to address complex lighting challenges while preserving historic authenticity. With decades of experience and a commitment to craftsmanship, we continue to innovate while honoring traditional techniques.
Services
Fixture Restoration
Historic Replication
Retrofitting
UL Listing
Custom Fabrication
Gas Conversion
LED Integration
Condition Assessment
Conservation
Field Evaluation
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience in historic lighting restoration and conservation
- Our team includes certified artisans, blacksmiths, and UL-certified professionals
- We hold a New York State Women-Owned Business Enterprise certification
- We integrate modern LED technology while preserving historic integrity
- Our projects have received national acclaim in landmark buildings and institutions
Associations and certifications
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Services
Fixture Restoration
Our historic lighting restoration service preserves the integrity of antique fixtures while ensuring modern safety standards. We employ conservation-grade cleaners and traditional techniques to maintain original finishes and materials. Our team meticulously documents each restoration process for institutional clients requiring detailed records.
Historic Replication
We create exact replicas of lost or damaged fixtures using original blueprints, photographs, or surviving examples. Our artisans employ both traditional forging methods and modern casting techniques to match historic details while incorporating contemporary lighting technology for improved functionality.
UL Listing
As a UL-certified shop, we ensure all fixtures meet current safety standards through rigorous testing and documentation. Our team navigates UL requirements for both traditional and LED fixtures, providing field evaluations and compliance documentation required for public installations.
Gas Conversion
We specialize in converting historic gas fixtures to electric operation while maintaining their original aesthetic. Our engineers develop safe mounting solutions for older fixtures and have experience with unique projects like retrofitting electric-to-gas conversions for historic buildings.
LED Integration
Our LED retrofitting service modernizes historic fixtures with energy-efficient lighting while preserving their original design. We carefully select LED components that match the visual appearance of traditional bulbs while providing improved light output and longevity for both interior and exterior applications.
People
Dawn Ladd
Founder + Principal
Dawn Ladd founded Aurora Lampworks in 1983 after discovering her passion for lampshades in Harrods, London. A conservationist by nature, she has led the company's evolution from a small lampshade business to a UL-certified lighting restoration leader. She holds memberships in professional organizations including IALD and the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
Questions
What types of lighting restoration services do you offer?
We restore historic lighting fixtures using conservation-grade techniques, including finish preservation, component replacement, and structural reinforcement while maintaining original design integrity.
Can you replicate antique lighting fixtures?
Yes, we create exact replicas from original fixtures, architectural drawings, or historic photographs using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern manufacturing methods.
Do you handle UL certification for lighting fixtures?
As a UL-certified shop, we handle all aspects of UL listing, including field evaluations and compliance documentation for both traditional and LED fixtures.
What historic lighting conversion services are available?
We convert gas fixtures to electric operation and vice versa, developing safe mounting solutions while preserving the fixture's historic appearance and functionality.
What materials do you work with for custom fabrication?
Our team works with brass, iron, glass, and other traditional materials using both historic forging techniques and modern fabrication methods for custom lighting solutions.
Reviews (2)
Cynthia King
Sep 20, 2021
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Exceptional artistry. Supreme professionalism. Extraordinary attention to detail. Highly recommended for any and all lighting needs!
Jannette Patterson
Sep 14, 2021
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This woman-owned company is well run with a diverse and caring staff. They are extremely knowledgable and can handle the most intricate and specialized jobs. They also generously support non-profit organizations to make this a better world for all. So glad I found them!
