Candlestick thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Candlestick

ca. 1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

By the late 17th century the design of brass candlesticks began to imitate that of their silver counterparts. Technical improvements in the casting of both base and precious metal candlesticks also substantially altered their form.

In the mid 1760s, when neo-classicism was popular, the characteristic shape for candlesticks was a straight or tapering column on a raised square or oval base. Later, beaded, engraved and relief ornament was added, and neo-classical types probably continued to be made in brass long after they had ceased to be popular in silver. Production of these candlesticks was further simplified by the development of casting the stem in one piece using a removable core, a process called hollow core casting. This allowed for a much finer and thinner casting to be made for both the base and the stem. It also encouraged the development of the multi-faceted candlestick form in the early 19th century, which was only made in brass. This example from about 1800 is cast brass and has an oblong octagonal foot.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brass
Brief description
Candlestick made of brass, England, ca.1800
Physical description
Candlestick, cast brass, oblong octagonal foot, baluster stem.
Dimensions
  • Height: 24.5cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by G. Russell-Davies
Summary
By the late 17th century the design of brass candlesticks began to imitate that of their silver counterparts. Technical improvements in the casting of both base and precious metal candlesticks also substantially altered their form.

In the mid 1760s, when neo-classicism was popular, the characteristic shape for candlesticks was a straight or tapering column on a raised square or oval base. Later, beaded, engraved and relief ornament was added, and neo-classical types probably continued to be made in brass long after they had ceased to be popular in silver. Production of these candlesticks was further simplified by the development of casting the stem in one piece using a removable core, a process called hollow core casting. This allowed for a much finer and thinner casting to be made for both the base and the stem. It also encouraged the development of the multi-faceted candlestick form in the early 19th century, which was only made in brass. This example from about 1800 is cast brass and has an oblong octagonal foot.
Bibliographic reference
Baker, Malcolm, and Brenda Richardson (eds.), A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: V&A Publications, 1999.
Collection
Accession number
M.392-1917

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Record createdNovember 10, 2003
Record URL
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