Restoring historical lighting – a look behind the scenes

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The restoration project of 54 historical luminaires at the renowned Hotel Belvédère in Wengen marked a milestone in my work – not only due to its scale, but above all because of the depth of historical documentation that made it possible to rediscover the original lighting concept of that era.

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The restoration of these luminaires was far more than a technical challenge – it became a fascinating journey into the early 20th century, when craftsmanship, engineering ingenuity and aesthetic vision came together to form a unique Gesamtkunstwerk. Thanks to the documents preserved in the Thun City Archives, I was able to immerse myself in their history and reconstruct the original manufacturing processes in detail.

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It was particularly compelling to study the original orders placed with manufacturers, offering insight into the precise and still largely handcrafted production methods of the time. The archival material included not only order records, but also original sketches, technical drawings and lighting plans. These documents provided crucial information on how the luminaires were originally installed and operated – including the power-generating systems used in the early days of electrification.

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A central aspect of the project was to preserve the original character of the luminaires without compromising functionality or safety. The result is a harmonious interplay between past and present – tradition brought to light, supported by technology that remains discreetly in the background – restoring these remarkable pieces to their historical brilliance.

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This project exemplifies my working philosophy: history should not only be preserved, but made tangible – through light, material and form that carry the past into the present.

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