– The story of the local lamp-maker

CLAUDIUS Henry is a talented and gifted Guyanese whose time is being utilised wisely in his workshop at home, where he creates unique craft lamps with hexagon-shaped, crochet-woven shades. This product is unlike any other and is truly one of a kind.
It was 30 years ago that Henry began to craft hand-made lamps to support his family. At that time, he needed extra cash, as he was attending the University of Guyana (UG), and no one wanted to employ him on a part-time basis.

During a recent interview with Pepperpot Magazine from his Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara home, he said he had to find something to do to earn a living, and a friend had gifted him a booklet with hand-woven crochet lampshade designs.
Henry recalled looking at the booklet and saying to himself, “I can do this,” and with that thought in mind, he did it—well, after some practice and initial failures—but in the end, he succeeded.
The father of three added that he did not make the lamps continuously for 30 years but worked on them whenever he had the time.
Henry told Pepperpot Magazine that he is self-taught when it comes to crocheting his lampshades in different patterns, and it was the butterfly design that he wanted to master.

He stated that he is an electrical engineer by profession and was new to crocheting, let alone woodwork craft, but he invested the time, enhanced his skills, and became very good at it.
The pensioner reported that when he got a permanent job, he had to put lamp-making on hold and would only do it whenever he had spare time.
Henry spent 18 years at the Bank of Guyana before he retired. He started as a senior maintenance personnel and ended his career as Electrical Engineer II.
It was when he retired 14 years ago that he picked up where he left off—making lamps in his workshop on the lower flat of his house, a place he describes as being ‘heaven’, where he would often forget to have meals while working.

Henry said he loved travelling, and his wife loved it in Barbados. They would go there to spend as much time on the beach as possible, but when COVID-19 struck, they had to stay home.
Now, with travel restrictions lifted, they can once again travel abroad for vacation and some much-needed time out.
The 73-year-old stated that during the pandemic, he used the time to make lamps, and it is something he loves doing. He doesn’t see it as time-consuming at all.
Henry revealed that a lamp would take about four days to complete fully, and the process entails intricate designs and craftsmanship, including customised designs.
The craftsman explained that when he first started making lamps, he used to supply Guyana Stores. These days, he makes them and sells them from his home.
He reported that some materials for lamp-making are sourced locally, while others are sourced from overseas, making it a costly venture. Thus, the pricing ranges from $12,000 to $25,000 for each lamp. Prices also vary depending on the designs.

“I intend to do this kind of craftsmanship for as long as I can because I love it. I may soon start back travelling too, but I believe that time passed cannot be regained, so it is wise not to waste it,” he said.
Henry added that, as a grandfather of eight, he likes to spend his time wisely and prefers making his own lamps, keeping them in stock for customers.
He recalled that during the years spent working at the Bank of Guyana, he met some good people along the way, and it was an altogether good experience for him.
Since his working days are over, he wastes no time. He is often engaged for hours upon hours in his workshop without even realising it.

“I would forget to go upstairs for meals, and my wife would have to come down and remind me to eat because I just love working on my lamps. Making them brings me joy, and seeing a finished one is so satisfying,” Henry said.

He related that he has the support of his family and extended family, and, of course, his wife, Patricia, is always by his side, motivating him.