‘Artist edition’ fixtures dress up bathrooms, kitchens
Q. I could have asked my plumber this, but as a fan and regular reader of your column I wanted to hear it from you. So, here is my question: I recently read online that “artist edition” plumbing fixtures are becoming a popular choice in new bathrooms. I’m a little confused. What exactly is an “artist edition” plumbing fixture?
A. From what I’ve heard, “artist edition” plumbing fixtures are most commonly associated with bathroom or kitchen sinks. However, the term can also include other decorative plumbing fixtures.
Companies may work with a well-known artist to create a unique line of fixtures, or they may simply call a new or creative line of fixtures an “artist edition.” Either way, it basically means they have taken a simple concept like a sink and turned it into a working piece of art.
Artist-edition fixtures are usually broken down into three categories:
1. Materials — Natural stone, copper, bronze and heavy glass can be used in many different ways to create sinks that are beautiful and functional.
2. Texture — Hand-hammered metals and textured fireclay can make an artistic plumbing fixture feel as good as it looks.
3. Decorative china — Skilled artists place highly detailed and colorful patterns on the ceramic ware before the fixture is fired. The result can be a plumbing fixture that looks as nice as a fine china dinner plate.
That said, I hope I “served you up” some useful information about artistic plumbing fixtures!
Ÿ Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV and Internet shows. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.
Scripps Howard News Service