Close-up of the sick glass chandelier with its white and blue beads.
Photo: Ola Myrin, Skokloster Castle/SHM (CC BY).

The Sick Chandelier

One of the castle’s more interesting and remarkable artefacts is a chandelier that has hung in the King’s Hall since 1672.
A large room with large paintings. The glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
The Kings' Hall. Photo: Jens Mohr, Skokloster Castle/SHM (CC BY).

It was made in Stockholm some years prior to 1672. The glass later developed glass disease, something that cannot be remedied. The glass disease was caused by an incorrect glass formula when it was being made in the 17th century. This chemical imbalance caused a degradation of the glass that is still going on. This is unfortunately being accelerated by the indoor climate of the castle.

The chandelier is suspended from a hook in the dragon's mouth.
The chandelier is suspended from a hook in the dragon's mouth. The motif depicts "Jason and the dragon" from the ancient tale of the hunt for the golden fleece. Photo: Erik Lernestål, Skokloster Castle/SHM (CC BY).