Mike Sparks admits he has a good surname for a specialist in antique lighting.
1 How did you get your start?
An antiques dealer I was shadowing challenged me to restore a bunch of brass ceiling lights he’d picked up at an antiques fair and with a surname like mine I just had to have a go. Lately I’ve worked on a range of lights: Art Deco table lamps, Contemporary 1970s wall fittings and most recently a small chandelier for a client of mine, Guy Savill, who owns The Pedestal auction house near Henley.
2 What’s a ‘holy grail’ in your field - something you would love to get your hands on?
For me it would be a genuine Carlton Ware Guinness Toucan table lamp with original shade, or anything by Lalique. Outside of lighting, one work I love is the painting Interior by Georg Achen displayed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It is a particular favourite - I can stare at it for hours…
This ‘Sputnik’ style 1970s chrome and plastic ceiling light is offered by The Light House for £250.
3 What is one item you could not do without?
A pair of shade ring pliers - so often shade rings are stuck and this tool, which I picked up on eBay, never fails. Never seen another pair.
4 Do you have a collection?
We have a home stuffed with antiques and paintings displayed in every room. Thankfully my wife and I seem to like the same sort of things.
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
Neither - a glass of St Emillion Grand Cru always hits the spot
