Stephen Downes

Stephen Downes' career began as a restorer, specializing in the Art Deco lighting designs of Albert Cheuret, Ruhlmann and Pierre Chareau. He is an expert in the use of crystal alabaster, understanding fully its innate delicacy as well as its natural beauty. 

He started creating his own designs in 1986, wonderfully luminous sculptural works in alabaster, stone, metal and wood. He is a graduate of School of Visual Arts, where he studied under the Master Stone Carver, René Lavaggi. 

As Richard Rabel said in his blog, The Modern Sybarite, “Stephen Downes couples natural materials with contemporary design to create luxurious modern alabaster lighting. If one cannot find or afford an iconic alabaster lighting design from the past, the work of Mr. Downes is a chic alternative.”

Stephen Downes’ lighting designs have appeared in numerous publications, including, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Interior Design, Metropolitan Home and The New York Times Magazine, along with the book, New York Interiors, (Taschen, 1997).