Diamonds of Light: A Limited Edition Souvenir of the Eiffel Tower

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Diamonds of Light: A Limited Edition Souvenir of the Eiffel Tower
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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Lead photo credit : Limited edition Eiffel Tower souvenir

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Born in Hampton, Middlesex, UK, Margaret Kemp is a lifestyle journalist, based between London, Paris and the world. Intensive cookery courses at The Cordon Bleu, London, a wedding gift from a very astute ex-husband, gave her the base that would take her travelling (leaving the astute one behind) in search of rare food and wine experiences, such as the vineyards of Thailand, 'gator hunting in South Florida, learning to make eye-watering spicy food in Kerala;pasta making in a tiny Tuscany trattoria. She has contributed to The Guardian, The Financial Times Weekend and FT. How To Spend It.com, The Spectator, Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Travel, and Luxos Magazine. She also advises as consultant to luxury hotels and restaurants. Over the years, Kemp has amassed a faithful following on BonjourParis. If she were a dish she'd be Alain Passard's Millefeuille “Caprice d'Enfant”, as a painting: Manet’s Dejeuner sur l’herbe !