Candelabrum, brass with six branches, designed by AWN Pugin and made by John hardman and Company, Birmingham, ca. 1846

Brass candelabrum with 6 branches in the style of 15th-century German brass, with 8-lobed foot rising as a twisted trumpet shape, the thick twisted stem with central facetted knop, the branches held in sockets at the top of the stem, each with engraved lozenge patterns terminating in circular glass beads under conical drip pans and cylindrical candle sockets.

This magnificent six-light candelabrum was part of a series designed by AWN Pugin in 1846. A fine example of the Gothic Revival style, which Pugin championed, it was designed to go in the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. It was made by Pugin's preferred manufacturer, the Birmingham firm of John Hardman and Co. This was one of the Museum's early purchases, bought from the Great Exhibition in 1851for £7 and catalogued as 'English, modern'.

Historical significance: The candelabrum perfectly reflects Pugin's policy of being inspired by, but not copying, medieval art. The design is based on late Gothic brass produced in centres like Nuremberg in Germany and Dinant in Belgium, which Pugin had visited on his trips to Europe. The lobed foot and twisted stem hark back to ecclesiastical metalwork of the fifteenth century but the spray of branches set with glass beads is a Pugin invention.

Pugin oversaw much of the decoration of the Palace of Westminster, where highly reflective brass lighting complements the primary colours and gilding of the interior architecture. Pugin designed candlesticks and wall-lights at an early age understanding that they derived their true proportions and visual impact when equipped with lit candles . They should 'take the light well and sparkle'.

This magnificent six-light candelabrum was part of a series designed by A.W.N. Pugin in 1846. A fine example of the Gothic Revival style which Pugin championed, it was designed to go in the rebuilt Houses of Parliament. It was made by Pugin's preferred manufacturer, the Birmingham firm of John Hardman and Co. This was one of the Museum's early purchases, bought from the Great Exhibition in 1851 for £7 and catalogued as 'English, modern'.

2740-1851