Sconce
1710-1711 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object type
Wall sconces were also known as 'candlestick plates' or 'hanging wall candlesticks'. Sconces may have developed from the habit of fixing a reflecting plate of brass or copper behind a candle to increase the light it gave. Metal was a favourite material for lighting since it was not flammable and gave a pleasant reflection. Only the wealthy could afford silver for lighting.
Each of the branches has a grease pan to avoid the tallow or candle wax from dripping onto people's heads. The brass nuts that hold the branches are modern replacements so it is possible that the sconce originally held only one candle but was later adapted for two.
People
This sconce is engraved with the arms of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis (1667-1745) . It is surmounted by a Duke's coronet with a leopard to one side and a lion to the other. This refers to William Herbert's father, who was created Duke of Powis and Marquess of Montgomery by James II (1633-1701), after the King was expelled from Britain in 1688 in favour of William and Mary.
John Bodington registered a hallmark as a silversmith in 1697 and worked until his death in January 1727. His surviving work is of high quality. It was influenced by the work of Huguenot silversmiths working in London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Place
These sconces were formerly in the Blue Drawing Room of Powis Castle, Welshpool, Wales. There is a companion pair are in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
Wall sconces were also known as 'candlestick plates' or 'hanging wall candlesticks'. Sconces may have developed from the habit of fixing a reflecting plate of brass or copper behind a candle to increase the light it gave. Metal was a favourite material for lighting since it was not flammable and gave a pleasant reflection. Only the wealthy could afford silver for lighting.
Each of the branches has a grease pan to avoid the tallow or candle wax from dripping onto people's heads. The brass nuts that hold the branches are modern replacements so it is possible that the sconce originally held only one candle but was later adapted for two.
People
This sconce is engraved with the arms of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis (1667-1745) . It is surmounted by a Duke's coronet with a leopard to one side and a lion to the other. This refers to William Herbert's father, who was created Duke of Powis and Marquess of Montgomery by James II (1633-1701), after the King was expelled from Britain in 1688 in favour of William and Mary.
John Bodington registered a hallmark as a silversmith in 1697 and worked until his death in January 1727. His surviving work is of high quality. It was influenced by the work of Huguenot silversmiths working in London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Place
These sconces were formerly in the Blue Drawing Room of Powis Castle, Welshpool, Wales. There is a companion pair are in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Britannia silver, engraved and pounced |
| Brief description | Marquis of Powis sconce, one of a pair |
| Physical description | One of a pair of sconces with M.50A-1959 |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Engraved with the arms of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis (1667-1745) |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Sconces holding candles were not an efficient way to light rooms. However, they would have looked very impressive as part of a larger silver service gleaming against rich wall hangings. They were also less of a fire risk than candle-stands which were easily knocked over. Engraved arms show that this pair were made for the 2nd Marquess of Powis.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in London by John Boddington (active from 1697, died in London, 1727) |
| Summary | Object type Wall sconces were also known as 'candlestick plates' or 'hanging wall candlesticks'. Sconces may have developed from the habit of fixing a reflecting plate of brass or copper behind a candle to increase the light it gave. Metal was a favourite material for lighting since it was not flammable and gave a pleasant reflection. Only the wealthy could afford silver for lighting. Each of the branches has a grease pan to avoid the tallow or candle wax from dripping onto people's heads. The brass nuts that hold the branches are modern replacements so it is possible that the sconce originally held only one candle but was later adapted for two. People This sconce is engraved with the arms of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis (1667-1745) . It is surmounted by a Duke's coronet with a leopard to one side and a lion to the other. This refers to William Herbert's father, who was created Duke of Powis and Marquess of Montgomery by James II (1633-1701), after the King was expelled from Britain in 1688 in favour of William and Mary. John Bodington registered a hallmark as a silversmith in 1697 and worked until his death in January 1727. His surviving work is of high quality. It was influenced by the work of Huguenot silversmiths working in London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Place These sconces were formerly in the Blue Drawing Room of Powis Castle, Welshpool, Wales. There is a companion pair are in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.50-1959 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 26, 1999 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
