A Distinguished Pair of 18th Century Giltwood & Polychrome Altarpiece Lamps

A truly grand pair of Continental giltwood and polychrome table lamps, originally conceived as ecclesiastical pricket candlesticks. These impressive pieces are carved in the Baroque manner, featuring a tiered, knapped stem with elegant baluster turnings that lead down to a substantial, splayed tripartite base. The surface retains a wonderful "weathered" patina, where the original soft-olive green polychrome paint peeks through the distressed water-gilding, creating a depth of texture that only centuries of age can bestow.

Originally intended to flank an altar, these candlesticks have been masterfully converted into a symmetrical pair of table lamps. The height and architectural silhouette of the giltwood provides a sense of verticality and "old-world" gravitas that is highly sought after in classical English country house interiors.

Pricket candlesticks of this form were a staple of 18th and 19th-century Italian and French ecclesiastical design. Carved from lime or pine wood, they were gilded to catch the flickering candlelight of the cathedral, creating a sense of divine opulence. In the mid-20th century, many of these grand pieces were brought into private collections and converted to electricity, becoming a hallmark of the 'Chic Antique' style championed by designers such as John Fowler.

Dealer’s Comments

"There is an inherent soul to these early carvings that modern 'shabby chic' reproductions simply cannot capture. What I find most appealing is the contrast between the faded gold leaf and the muted earth tones of the olive green polychrome. They have a wonderful, crumbly texture—what we dealers call 'country house' condition—which means they don't look too new or polished. They are substantial enough to hold their own on a large sideboard or on either side of a grand bedstead. Please note, the pleated silk shades shown are for display but are available to purchase separately."

Condition Report

The giltwood is in good antique condition, displaying a charming and authentic level of distressed wear to the gilding and polychrome surfaces. There are minor chips and age-related shrinkage cracks typical of carved wood of this antiquity, which only add to their character.

Professionally converted and fully rewired to modern UK standards. Each lamp features a cream-coloured candle-sleeve, finished with a period-appropriate gold-braided silk flex.

Fully PAT inspected and certified

Measurement

Height:            65 cm /    25.6 inch

Width:             16 cm /     6.3 inch

Depth:             16 cm /     6.3 inch

Weight:           1.1 k.g. /    2.4 lbs