Georgios Lithadiotis is of the third generation of lantern makers on Skopelos . His grandfather made lanterns when they were in much demand, prior to the advent of electricity. These lanterns were placed outside each house, churches and monasteries and some places still retain the original lanterns. He made lanterns for prospective bridegrooms as tradition demanded that the groom presented his future bride with a lantern upon acceptance of his proposal.
The Kanari Lithadioti lanterns were tasteful and well worked with various decorations using different techniques using copper or lead. The support columns and the glass panes were rounded as opposed to those of others that were square shaped.
"The materials" - says Giorgos - "were made by the men themselves. They worked with a brazier and charcoal and made them out of tin, and opalina for the glass- using a variety of ways and techniques to colour the glass".
Giorgos learned the art from his father, Vasilis Lithadioti, who learned it from his own father at an early age and loved the art of lantern making. He made lanterns with daisies that were placed on horse carriages and carts all over Hora, Glossa and Skiathos. Today, Giorgos makes the traditional lantern and marine lanterns for the boats. He has the craft in his soul, from his father and from his grandfather.
From 1978 he has had his own shop, working with galvanized sheet-metal, pewter, copper and zinc. "I can work" - says Giorgos - "stainless steel and delicate items like chandeliers by hand of course. I forge, because stainless is the hardest metal." He enjoys working with copper and brass because they are softer materials and more durable. He still makes silver jewellery. His lanterns are beautiful and you can him find in the Lantern shop run by his wife Ourania and located in Hora, Skopelos.