Rush-Holder and Candlestick
18th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Wrought iron standing rush-holder and candlestick on a tripod base.
Object details
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Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Wrought iron |
Brief description | Standing rush-holder and candlestick, wrought iron on a tripod base, made in England, 18th century |
Physical description | Wrought iron standing rush-holder and candlestick on a tripod base. |
Dimensions |
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Gallery label | STANDING RUSH-HOLDER and CANDLESTICK
Wrought iron
England: 18th century
Rushlights appeared in England in the mid 17th century when taxes forbidding the home manufacture of wax candles were introduced. They were made by dipping soaked, peeled and dried bullrush stalks into beeswax or animal fat skimmed from the surface of the contents of the cooking pot. According to contemporary accounts, rushlights gave a good, clear light and a70 cm rush would burn for about one hour. They were too slender to stand unsupported in a candle socket so the rush-holder was designed, consisting of a pair of 'nippers' to keep the rush tightly clamped by a spring or weighted lever. Sometimes, as here, it also incorporated a candlestick.
From the Collection of Lady Dorothy Nevill
Museum No. M.125-1914(07/1994) |
Credit line | Given by Lady Dorothy Nevill |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | M.125-1914 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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