£1,250.00
A wonderfully decorative early 20th-century French standard lamp, beautifully constructed from hand-forged iron and incorporating a pair of exceptionally tall candle-form lights.
The lamp has an elegant and almost sculptural silhouette. A long, slender central stem rises from a beautifully worked four-footed base, with the iron retaining a rich, naturally aged surface and patination.
Two sweeping arms extend from either side of the stem, each terminating in a broad circular drip pan supporting a tall candle-form light. The aged faux-candle sleeves have a wonderfully characterful wax-drip finish, creating the appearance of oversized burning candles when illuminated.
A wonderfully decorative early 20th-century French standard lamp, beautifully constructed from hand-forged iron and incorporating a pair of exceptionally tall candle-form lights.
The lamp has an elegant and almost sculptural silhouette. A long, slender central stem rises from a beautifully worked four-footed base, with the iron retaining a rich, naturally aged surface and patination.
Two sweeping arms extend from either side of the stem, each terminating in a broad circular drip pan supporting a tall candle-form light. The aged faux-candle sleeves have a wonderfully characterful wax-drip finish, creating the appearance of oversized burning candles when illuminated.
The hand-forged construction is particularly evident throughout the decorative ironwork. Generous scrolling forms appear beneath the lights and around the base, while a charming heart-shaped motif decorates the centre of the upright. These small variations and irregularities are characteristic of individually worked iron and give the lamp considerable personality.
Positioned prominently between the two lights is an unusual decorative metal bowl, raised above the scrolling arms and finished with a delicately scalloped rim. This is an especially attractive feature of the design and gives the lamp an additional decorative purpose beyond lighting. The bowl could be left empty as part of the sculptural composition or styled with a small trailing plant, allowing foliage to fall naturally amongst the scrolling ironwork.
The combination of dark patinated iron, warm candle sleeves and the elevated central bowl gives the lamp a distinctly romantic character, somewhere between traditional French lighting, decorative ironwork and a freestanding candelabrum.
It can be used with exposed candle bulbs for a more dramatic appearance or dressed with small clip-on shades to create a softer and more intimate light.
A highly decorative piece with considerable presence, particularly suited to a country house interior, drawing room, entrance hall, garden room, conservatory or orangery.
Decorative wrought and hand-forged iron enjoyed considerable popularity in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when traditional metalworking techniques were increasingly incorporated into domestic furniture and lighting.
Rather than concealing the construction, pieces of this type celebrated the material itself. Iron was heated and worked into sweeping curves, scrolls, leaves and other decorative forms, creating objects that combined practical function with the individuality of the blacksmith's craft.
The tall candle-form lights of this example reflect the continuing influence of traditional candlelit interiors. Early electric lighting frequently borrowed the visual language of candlesticks and candelabra, allowing the convenience of electricity to be incorporated into familiar decorative forms.
The central bowl is a particularly unusual element, giving this example a stronger decorative and architectural presence than a conventional standard lamp.
Sourced in France.
France.
Early 20th Century, circa 1900–1930.
Hand-forged iron, patinated metal, faux-candle sleeves and electrical components.
A particularly decorative example of French iron lighting with a wonderful sculptural quality.
We especially like the exaggerated proportions of the two tall candle lights and the beautiful hand-forged scrollwork. The heart-shaped detail around the central stem is a charming feature that is easily missed when viewing the lamp from a distance.
The raised central bowl is perhaps the most unusual aspect of the design. It gives the piece another decorative dimension and would look particularly effective planted with a small trailing plant, allowing foliage to fall through and around the scrolling ironwork.
The aged surfaces are also an important part of its character. The dark iron has developed a wonderfully warm, textured patina, complemented by the aged wax-effect candle sleeves.
It is a piece that works as much as a decorative object within a room as it does a source of light.
In good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
The hand-forged iron retains a naturally aged surface with areas of oxidation, surface variation and patination throughout. These are considered an important part of the character and appearance of the piece.
The tall faux-candle sleeves show age-related wear, discolouration, marks and losses to their wax-effect surface, as visible in the photographs.
The central bowl and drip pans retain aged surfaces with expected marks, wear and patination.
Please refer to the photographs, which form an important part of the condition report.
As part of the Shackleton Fox workshop process, our antique and vintage lighting is fully assessed before sale.
Electrical components are renewed or rewired as required using quality British components, with the intention of retaining as much of the original character and construction as possible. Lighting is PAT inspected and tested prior to dispatch.
Please note that the lampshades shown in some of the photographs are not included with the standard lamp.
The lamp can be used with exposed candle bulbs or paired with our Petite Clip-On Empire Lampshades – Natural, handmade in the UK exclusively for Shackleton Fox.
The two shades shown are available to purchase separately from Shackleton Fox. Two lampshades are required to recreate the look shown in the photographs.
This also gives you a useful cross-sell on the product page: I would have Aaron/your website setup link “Petite Clip-On Empire Lampshades – Natural” directly to the shade product rather than simply mentioning that shades are available.
Height: 150 cm / 59.1 inches
Width: 60 cm / 23.6 inches
Depth: 30 cm / 11.8 inches
Weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
