Chandelier Tax: Only Fools and Horses inspires fundraising at Bath Assembly Rooms

The iconic chandelier-smashing scene from the classic British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses" has inspired a unique fundraising initiative at Bath Assembly Rooms.

Conservators tasked with cleaning the historic chandeliers at the Assembly Rooms, a venue frequented by literary giants Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, have grown weary of hearing visitors quote the infamous scene. In the 1982 episode "A Touch of Glass," hapless brothers Del Boy and Rodney attempt to catch a chandelier but Grandad's faulty work leads to a spectacular crash.

The conservators have now implemented a "tax" on any visitor who mentions the scene or admits to thinking about it. A tap-to-donate point has been set up, encouraging visitors to contribute to the chandeliers' conservation.

Alana Wright, the experience and visitor manager for the Assembly Rooms, explains, "We hear it all the time, so we've set up a tap-to-donate point where they can make a payment towards our work. We've suggested that if they are even thinking about the comedy scene, they should donate something to help look after the chandeliers."

While a lighthearted approach, the initiative has a serious side. The National Trust, which manages the Assembly Rooms, spends £4,000 annually on chandelier maintenance. The chandeliers are soon due for a full and costly conservation, including rewiring.

The Assembly Rooms house ten chandeliers dating back 250 years. Originally lit by tallow candles, they were converted to gas lighting during the Victorian era and are now powered by electricity. The largest chandelier, located in the Great Octagon Room, weighs over 200kg and stands 3 meters tall.

During World War II, when Bath was targeted in the Nazi Baedeker raids, the chandeliers were safely removed and hidden in a local stone quarry.

Unlike the chaotic method used in "Only Fools and Horses" to catch the falling chandelier, the National Trust utilizes a winch system to carefully lower the chandeliers to the floor for cleaning.

The "tax" on visitors who recall the infamous scene is a clever and humorous way to raise funds for the conservation of these priceless historical artifacts. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the beloved sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," whose iconic scene continues to resonate with viewers even after decades. The National Trust plans to extend the initiative to other country homes under its care when cleaning their chandeliers.