Luke Marshall, a lifelong metalsmith, is the sole proprietor of Delta Copper of Rome, NY. Luke has over 20 years of experience in professional arts and crafts, lighting, and metalwork, beginning by crafting sterling silver jewelry and metal sculpture at the young age of 13. Luke specializes in copper lighting, and is highly skilled in period reproductions, custom pieces made to order, and his own original designs. In addition to his own pieces, Luke has restored hundreds of original Dirk Van Erp pieces, and his artwork has graced private collections across the globe,
Luke's turn of the century designs use traditional methods, tools, and materials. Each item is annealed and formed into shape with successive rounds of hammering, sometimes with dozens of repetitions until the desired shape is achieved. The formed copper is then planished to achieve the uniform hammered surface characteristic of arts and crafts metalwork.
All items are made from pure 1.10 grade copper. The mica is hand built and finished to emulate the mica used on turn of the century lighting. The sockets used in all table lamps are reproduction "fat boy" sockets and each is patinated a dark brown to give an aged appearance. All techniques and processes are the same as used over 100 years ago.
The tools used to form hand wrought copper are so specialized that Luke designs and fashions his own. This is a complicated process which is an art form in itself and evidence of the quality inherent in each hand wrought copper item turned out by Luke Marshall. Luke is discerning with each new project and every piece is beautiful and unique unto itself.