The French term, La Grande Dame, indicates a highly respected woman of a certain age:) Grande also means large. La Grande Dame is both! Originally made by Fortune Lamp in 1971, La is 40.5" in overall height, and the base alone is 30.5".
Fortune lamp made beautiful, artistic lamps, and La is no exception. She has been redesigned (originally bright gold, silver, and black... see my previous post titled Big Mama:) in the following ways: 1st coat Annie Sloan chalk paint in a mixture of Cocoa, French Linen, and Old White. 2nd Coat Pure White chalk Paint. 3rd Coat clear wax. 4th Coat equal parts clear and dark wax. This paint finish is delectable with the detailing on La, lending interest and subtlety to the colors, while remaining neutral in overall tone. La is like a good piece of jewelry, substantial and interesting, yet understated.
The shade is original, and is in very good vintage shape, with just a few minor flaws... but no tears. The only alteration done to the shade was to add a decorative trim that ties in the base colors... and hides the somewhat tacky looking 1971 trim with gold detailing.
La Grand Dame is now searching for her chateau!
