On a rocky outcrop, with camera in hand, a solitary figure waits for a cloud to pass to capture just the right light. Although his feet are wet and sore after a day of lighthouse hunting, Bill Younger's heart filled with exhilaration. After visiting hundreds of lighthouses throughout the world, every new location is still a fresh experience for him.
In the course of his research, Bill Younger often travels to deserted locations, far off the beaten path. On some of these trips, he has to walk for several hours, sometimes through water. "When I finally arrive at the lighthouse, I forget all of the difficulties. I'm immediately taken into the past and reminded of the families that worked and played there."
Every Harbour Lights replica begins on location, usually with Bill and his camera. Extensive research is required to achieve an accurate finished product. Bill takes photographs from every angle, often including shots from the air and sea. Scores of photos are necessary to capture each nuance and detail of the sentinel.
Limited and Open Editions
Much of Harbour Lights award-winning collection is devoted to limited editions, ranging from 5,500 to 10,000 pieces. These include replicas of such world-famous lighthouses as "Cape May, NJ", as well as lesser-known sentinels, such as "Faulkner's Island, CT". Each piece is beautifully gift boxed and comes complete with its own history and certificate of authenticity. After the edition limit is reached, molds are destroyed, often by Bill Younger himself, and the piece is officially retired.
In 1995, Harbour Lights created a wonderful new series of hand-numbered, open edition sculptures entitled Great Lighthouses of the World. Commemorating the world's most celebrated light stations, this remarkable series includes such favorites as "Cape Neddick, ME", "Ponce de Leon, FL", "Split Rock, MN" and "Old Point Loma, CA". When a
International Lighthouses
Harbour Lights released its first international edition in 1996, "Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia". In the Spring of 1997, the first pieces commemorating European lighthouses were introduced, "La Jument, France" and "Longships, England". We sometimes forget that the foundation for America's lighthouses began in Europe long before the first brick at the Boston Light was laid in 1713. One recent release, "Hook Head, Ireland", honors a lighthouse established in the Twelfth Century!
Anchor Bay
In early 1997, the Younger's announced the creation of a brand new line of collectible boats and ships, ANCHOR BAY. Each stunning sculpture is meticulously hand-painted, beautifully gift-boxed, and comes complete with a wooden base and mirrored glass case. Anchor Bay is a numbered, open edition collection, featuring tugboats, steamships, cutters, trawlers, schooners, skipjacks, and of course, the all-important lightship.
Guardian of the Night
Grace. Beauty. Warmth. Historic lighthouses have captured our hearts with their remarkable legacy and nautical heritage. Bring the warm glow of lighted beacons into your home with Guardian of the Night lighted lighthouses presented by Bill Younger and Harbour Lights.
Back to Harbour Lights Lighthouses Index
The designs and photographs of Harbour Lights are copyrighted and used with permission.
