Sanctuary Lamp thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sacred Silver & Stained Glass, Room 83, The Whiteley Galleries

Sanctuary Lamp

ca. 1727 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sanctuary lamps appeared in Catholic chapels in England after about 1660. Their constant light signified the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

This example is the work of Charles Kandler, a leading London goldsmith who came originally from Dresden. It is inscribed 'The Gift of James Aveline who Died ye 7th April, 1726'. The donor may have been James Aveline of Steyning, West Sussex, but the name of the chapel to which it was given is not recorded.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver
Brief description
Silver, England (London), about 1727, by Charles Kandler.
Physical description
A moulded blubous body, the lower part with a band of applied leaves on a matted ground, the middle with three cherub heads to which are attached the chains which suspend it from the upper shield which is domed and has a band of trellis work and applied rosettes
Dimensions
  • Height: 19cm
  • Diameter: 19cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • C K above a rosette for Kandler (Charles Kandler registered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall, London, in 1727.)
  • 'The Gift of James Aveline who died ye 7th of Aprill 1726' (Inscribed.)
  • Town mark: London (Inscribed.)
Gallery label
  • Sanctuary Lamp Sanctuary lamps appeared in Roman Catholic chapels in England after about 1660. Their constant light signified the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This example is the work of Charles Kandler, a leading London goldsmith who came originally from Dresden. It is inscribed ‘The Gift of James Aveline who Died ye 7th April, 1726’. The donor may have been James Aveline of Steyning, West Sussex, but the name of the chapel to which it was given is not recorded. London, England, about 1727; by Charles Kandler (active 1710–35). Silver Museum no. M.116-1933(22/11/2005)
  • SANCTUARY LAMP LONDON Dated 1726 Maker's mark only of Charles Kandler. Before the Reformation many cathedrals and abbeys possessed sanctuary lamps of silver. They do not appear to have been ordered for recusant chapels until after the Restoration. This example is engraved:'The Gift of James Aveline who died ye 7th April 1726' and bears the mark of the celebrated goldsmith, Charles Kandler, registered in 1727. The fine Holy Water Bucket by Kandler's son (?) Charles Frederick (of 1725-1735) at Arundel Castle is also executed in the continental baroque style of a slightly earlier period. Bequeathed by John Birdwood, Esq.(1970)
Credit line
Bequeathed by John Girdwood
Object history
Bequest - John Girdwood Esq.
per the Executors Messrs. W & J Burnes, W.S
12 Hope Street, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Acquisition RF: John Girdwood

Given by James Aveline who may be identified with James Aveline of Steyning, West Sussex whose will was proved in 1726(PROB 11/609 sig 115). The name of the chapel to which it was given is not recorded. In his will which was written on 7th January 1721 James Aveline bequeathed 'his soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator trusting and assuredly believing I shall through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ obtain remission of my sins'. He mentions his wife Ann Aveline, his daughter Elizabeth Ellis, grandson John Ellis and his trustess and executors as John Pendrell & William Wheeler of Storrington, gentlemen. He leaves his gun to Mr. William Wheeler. The witnesses to the will were John Champion, George Haines and Elizabeth Haines.

James Aveline is listed in the Records of English Catholics of 1715, John Orlebar Payne, London, 1889, p.68 as of Storrington. His daughter Elizabeth was married to John Ellis and had two sones John & Thomas. He also had a granddaughter Elizabeth Smith. The dates of 11 January 1721 and 14th June 1726 may indicate the dates the will was written and proved.

Historical significance: Sanctuary lamps appeared in Catholic chapels after about 1660. Their constant light signified the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Historical context
Secret Catholicism
After the Reformation, the Roman Catholic faith was severely restricted. Catholics who refused to attend Church of England services were known as recusants and until the late 17th century they had to worship in secret. However, the Dukes of Norfolk and aristocratic families such as the Arundells at Wardour Castle encouraged Catholic communities to use their private chapels and so kept the faith alive.

The Catholic plate that survives from before the 1660s is mainly limited to chalices, paxes and pyxes. These earlier pieces are rarely marked. After 1688, Catholic plate was more often hallmarked and the range of forms expanded to include sanctuary lamps, cruets and incense boats.

In London, Catholics could worship openly in foreign embassy chapels. The silver from the Sardinian Embassy chapel can be seen in the case to the right. During the reign of Charles II, Catholic courtiers could also attend the queen’s private chapel and that of the Queen Mother, Henrietta Maria.
Association
Summary
Sanctuary lamps appeared in Catholic chapels in England after about 1660. Their constant light signified the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

This example is the work of Charles Kandler, a leading London goldsmith who came originally from Dresden. It is inscribed 'The Gift of James Aveline who Died ye 7th April, 1726'. The donor may have been James Aveline of Steyning, West Sussex, but the name of the chapel to which it was given is not recorded.
Collection
Accession number
M.116-1933

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
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