The Architect’s Legacy: 18th-Century Faux-Marbre Corinthian Floor Lamps
£2,800.00
Description
This commanding pair of lamps represents the pinnacle of "Grand Tour" interior design, utilizing authentic 18th-century architectural pilasters to create lighting of unmatched scale and historical depth.
Mainland UK Delivery Included
International Shipping
Delivery Leadtime
International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
Full details will be confirmed during the ordering process.
A Monumental Pair of 18th-Century Architectural Corinthian Floor Lamps
This commanding pair of lamps represents the pinnacle of "Grand Tour" interior design, utilizing authentic 18th-century architectural pilasters to create lighting of unmatched scale and historical depth.
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Authentic Provenance: The columns were originally part of a permanent interior structure. The "flatter" finish on the reverse serves as a fascinating historical fingerprint, confirming their past life as architectural pilasters set flush against the joinery of a 1700s grand estate.
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Masterful Scagliola: The shafts feature an exquisite faux-marbre (scagliola) finish. This period-correct technique mimics the warm, honeyed tones and intricate veining of rare Sienna Marble. The stable craquelure on the surface acts as a visual certificate of age, adding a depth of texture that modern replicas cannot imitate.
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Gilded Capitals: Each column is topped with a hand-carved Corinthian capital. The double row of acanthus leaves and delicate volutes retain their original water-gilding. The visible "bole" (the red clay under the gold) adds a soulful, atmospheric glow that only two centuries of gentle wear can produce.
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Stability & Modernity: To transition these from wall-fixed elements to freestanding floor lamps, they have been professionally mounted on substantial solid marble plinths. This provides a 12.4 kg "grounding" that ensures safety while maintaining the classical silhouette.
Dealer’s Comments
"In the world of high-end decoration, 'scale' is the ultimate luxury. This pair of lamps provides instant architectural gravitas to a room. The fact that the faux-marbling is lighter on the back is a wonderful 'secret' of their history—it tells us they once framed a doorway or a fireplace in a house of significant standing. The new marble bases are a thoughtful addition; they provide the necessary weight and 'ground' the columns perfectly. They are as much a pair of sculptures as they are a pair of lamps."
Condition Report
The lamps are in very good decorative condition, possessing a robust and sturdy stance.
The carved capitals show honest historical wear to the gilding, with the warm reddish-brown 'bole' and pale gesso peeking through in places, which is highly desirable in authentic 18th-century pieces.
The painted columns remain vibrant with minor, age-appropriate surface scuffs and stable craquelure.
The recently added marble bases are in pristine condition, free from chips or cracks.
Fully rewired to current UK standards with premium silk-covered flex and traditional brass fittings. PAT Inspection completed
Measurement
Height: 130 cm / 51.2 inch
Width: 22 cm / 8.7 inch
Depth: 22 cm / 8.7 inch
Weight: 12.4 k.g. / 27.3 lbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
