Meet the Makers

In Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood lies Aurora Lampworks, a haven of craftsmanship and sustainability. The founder Dawn Ladd sat down for an interview to share her journey, the challenges faced by manufacturers in Brooklyn, and her hopes for the future. With a focus on creating beautiful, durable and long-lasting products, Ladd highlights the importance of preserving small manufacturers in the ever-changing landscape of New York City.

Dawn Ladd’s passion for lighting and lampshades began decades ago when she stumbled upon a captivating lampshade with long fringe in London. This encounter sparked her interest, leading her to start her business in New Haven, Connecticut, specializing in the manufacturing of lampshades for antique lighting. Ladd eventually found herself in New York, where Aurora Lampworks has been able to grow. She has a lot of love for the city she calls home. “To this day, I cannot believe my good fortune of moving to New York City,” says Ladd. Aurora Lampworks has left an indelible mark on the city, working with clients such as St. Paul’s Chapel, Brooklyn Public Library, and the Met Museum.

Originally, Ladd collaborated with a seamstress friend to create unique lampshades, sourcing materials from the vibrant markets of New York City. Over the years, changes in the manufacturing landscape posed challenges, with many businesses closing or retiring. This led to gaps in the availability of certain products, forcing Ladd to seek suppliers outside of Brooklyn and even the country. Balancing the support for local businesses with competitive pricing and maintaining meaningful work for employees became an ongoing challenge.

Looking towards the future, Ladd expresses her hopes for the continuity of Aurora Lampworks and the preservation of its name and reputation. However, rising rents and property taxes present significant challenges to maintaining affordable manufacturing spaces. Ladd suggests that initiatives such as rent-subsidized spaces for manufacturers and prioritizing industrial spaces over condominiums would be incredibly beneficial. She also emphasizes the importance of healthcare benefits and government-sponsored internships to support both employees and employers.

At the heart of Aurora Lampworks lies a commitment to durability, sustainability, and quality, in contrast to the planned obsolescence prevalent in many products today. This ethos is apparent in their own lighting lines, the Aurora Collection and Foraged, as well as their restoration work. “One thing that we’re proud of here as a group is that we make things that are built to last, and not just to be replaced,” says Ladd. “If they break, then we can fix them. And that’s the main thing: to design something that can be fixed.”

As Brooklyn’s manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, Ladd’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by businesses and the importance of supporting local artisans. By recognizing and appreciating the value of small manufacturers, we can ensure the preservation of their craft and the vibrancy they bring to the city.