Oak Gothic Revival Candlesticks with Copper Sconces

Victorian

Circa mid to late 19th century | England

A rare pair of unusual antique tall mid-nineteenth century carved oak Gothic revival candlesticks in the medieval style (see The Gen) with copper sconces and drip pans. The oak has patinated brilliantly from years of handling.

DIMENSIONS: Height 39 cm.

CONDITION: In excellent condition, wear consistent with an antique age and use. No evident restoration.

REFERENCES: For an example of similar style of candlestick made in brass see Candlesticks, Deborah Stratton, Pitman, 1976, p. 59.

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THE GEN

“From the mid-1800s onwards an enthusiastic following developed for the medieval designs of Augustus Pugin and William Morris and the writings of John Ruskin. This resulted in a trend towards Gothic revival styles … Pugin designed large quantities of stained glass, furniture, wallpapers, textiles and metalwork, including candlesticks and jewellery. The stained glass and metalwork were largely designed for churches which he considered aptly suited to the Gothic style. He wrote in 1836: ‘The great test of beauty is the fitness of design for the purpose for which it was intended’. Pugin, Morris and Ruskin were the main inspiration behind what later became the Art Nouveau movement in Europe, Great Britain and America. The Gothic revival was considerably older than Pugin, however, beginning really in about the mid-1700s as an alternative to Georgian styles. But in Pugin’s time (1812–52) there was the added impetus of a religious movement to ‘Christianize’ church architecture.” (Candlesticks, Deborah Stratton, Pitman, 1976, p. 58)

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