That is the amazing new Stalactite by Adam Hoets of Cape Town-based Willowlamp.
To give you a sense of scale, here is Adam beside a Stalactite:
The inspiration was the stalactites in the Cango Caves, Africa's largest show caves (at least 5km long) and one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa:
He was “…driven by a desire to recreate the surface texture of these formations, the rippling striations and convoluted textures that build up on the surface of stalactites over many centuries.”
This is not the first time that Adam has drawn upon his South African roots. For example, the giant or king protea (protea cynaroides)…
…is their national flower (and, in the language of flowers, it symbolizes diversity and courage). This is Adam’s Protea:
We see Stalactite as a happy blend of the general form of Adam’s earlier designs, such a Droplet…
…or Spiral Nebula…
…with the later Mandala series:
There is also a softening of the edges that creates a more liquid design, echoing the sensuousness of the metal ball chain. (Sensuousness? Yes! You’ll understand what I mean when you let the chain run through your fingers. We have samples for you to try.)
As with all Willowlamp’s designs, there is a choice of chain colours and finishes. (The version of Stalactite here is in silver.)
We think that Stalactite is one of Adam’s finest designs. We hope that you do too. We’ll have prices and dimensions soon, so do get in touch if you think it could suit your project.
It is worth bearing in mind that Willowlamp chandeliers weigh less, and cost less, than similarly sized wow-factor designs in most other materials. They are also easy to ship and install!
