Robert E. Searight lived in
Long Beach, California and built scenes in light bulbs in the late 1950’s. While it is possible and even likely that he also made scenes in bottles, our only known works of Mr. Searight are those built inside large light bulbs. There is actually very little we know about Mr. Searight outside the information he provided inside his light bulbs. Among the information that appears in his light bulbs and on the stands are his picture, first name, middle initial, and last name, address, city, and state, phone number and the month, day and the year of construction. Few artists have provided more information, documentation, and provenance inside their work.
The following is information we know from his models:
Name: Robert E. Searight
Address: 315 Norton St., Long Beach 5, California
Phone: GA-2-8205
To date, only these three bulbs and one bottle have surfaced, but it is believed that many more were built, and likely, there were scenes built in bottles as well. This assumption is based on the
types of scenes, his carvings and details, and his methods and techniques used in construction. Normally, for one to achieve this degree of quality and detail, one must gain and develop their talent and expertise over time by bottling many models until techniques are refined and mastered. Even the use of a light bulb itself is an indication of his skills and the level of difficulty he was able to display in his models. Light bulbs are more fragile than bottles and harder to open and build in without breakage. Because of this, few choose the bulb for the container and when they do it would normally be after experience is gained. Not only did Mr. Searight build in a light bulb, but his scenes are turned or inverted in the bulb so that they are positioned with the bulb in an upright position.
In addition to his personal information, Mr. Searight would put slogans, signs, poems, prayers, and dedications inside the bulbs. In one of his bulbs, “The Keefer Cottage,” is an arch over the center that states: "The Keefer Cottage, Tom and Bobbie, Owners: on the front side, and "You are welcome to our House" on the other. Also inside on a lower floor is the following: "Size of Globe - 1500 Watt, Number of pieces - 1000, Date - July 2 1959.”
Another bulb, “The Old Home Garage,” contains witty phrases and words relating to the type of work performed at the garage. There is an arch over the center of the scene that states: "They Will Not Fly - They Will Not Run, They Drink Gas Just For Fun." On the other side is the phrase; "The Old Home Garage, We Never Die, We Just Gas Away."
Additionally, the following poem is in this bulb:
"When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what the man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back form the glass."
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His “Western Homes on Wheels” bulb has an arch over the center that states; "Two Miles To A Bucket Of Oats," and on the other side: "Western Homes On Wheels."
It also contains the following prayer:
"For any bright vacation day,
For things to do, and friends at play;
For grass and trees and lakes so blue,
For fields of gray, and mountains too;
We thank thee, heavenly Father."
The following entry was found on a Robert Searight and it is believed that it is the Robert Searight listed here.
ROBERT SEARIGHT
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Born 09 Apr 1882
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Died May 1978
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Address 90805 (Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA)
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Social Security 549-10-1494
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Click on a picture to view the bottle and description in the Gallery
An rare ship in bottle built by Robert Searight in a bottle rather than in a light bulb.
Click on a picture to enlarge
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His “Western Homes on Wheels” bulb has an arch over the center that states; "Two Miles To A Bucket Of Oats," and on the other side: "Western Homes On Wheels." 
