YOU CAN FIND THIS GERMAN-MADE LITHOPHANE IN THE FAIRMONT HOTEL LOBBY | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

On the far side of the Fairmont Pittsburgh’s multi-story lobby, you’ll find the PNC Legacy Collection, a selection of artifacts recovered during the building’s construction. Many of these items, which date to the mid-19th century, are the remnants of everyday life: liquor and medicine bottles, toys and dolls.

@pittsburghmagazine German-made lithophanes — porcelain plates decorated with detailed, painting-like images — likely decorated a shop window at what is now Three PNC Plaza. You can find a series of them on the north side of the Fairmont Pittsburgh’s multi-story lobby in the PNC Legacy Collection. #Pittsburgh #PGH #pittsburghhistory #fairmonthotel ♬ original sound – Pittsburgh Magazine

A few, however, are examples of fine art in a bygone style. A series of German-made lithophanes — porcelain plates decorated with detailed, painting-like images — likely decorated a shop window at what is now Three PNC Plaza. When illuminated from behind, the translucent plates come alive, revealing surprising detail that almost seems three-dimensional.

LITHOPHANES LIKE THIS ONE LIKELY DECORATED A SHOP WINDOW. | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

According to a free audio tour of the PNC Legacy Collection, lithophanes such as these “were used to enhance nightlights, lamps, tea warmers and other items in homes and shops.” Purchased in London at the first World’s Fair by Pittsburgh businessman Jeremiah Knox, the lithophanes are certainly the most rare among the more than 25,000 artifacts discovered by archeologist Christine Davis and her team during the dig that preceded the construction of the building.

PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Thanks to an agreement between Davis and PNC, these treasures will remain on permanent display at the hotel — connecting Downtown’s modern era to the ornate details of its past.

Find It!
Downtown: 510 Market St., Fairmont Hotel Lobby