£850.00
A superb and exceptionally elegant large Victorian brass Corinthian column table lamp by the celebrated English lighting manufacturers Hinks & Sons of Birmingham, renowned for their innovative engineering, quality craftsmanship and finely produced lighting throughout the nineteenth century.
A superb and exceptionally elegant large Victorian brass Corinthian column table lamp by the celebrated English lighting manufacturers Hinks & Sons of Birmingham, renowned for their innovative engineering, quality craftsmanship and finely produced lighting throughout the nineteenth century.
Standing an impressive 90 cm tall as photographed with its optional lampshade, this substantial lamp is a particularly fine example of the classical architectural designs that became so fashionable during the Victorian period.
The lamp takes the form of a beautifully proportioned Corinthian column, rising from a substantial square, stepped architectural plinth. Its tall, finely fluted shaft creates a wonderful sense of height and elegance, while the richly detailed Corinthian capital provides an exquisite decorative focal point.
The capital is particularly impressive, displaying beautifully cast and chased acanthus foliage, scrolling volutes and classical ornamentation inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The contrast between the intricate detailing of the capital and the restrained, uninterrupted lines of the fluted column is especially pleasing.
The column rises from a finely stepped circular socle, which sits upon a substantial square architectural base composed of several graduated levels. The clean, geometric lines of the plinth complement the more elaborate upper section, creating a wonderfully balanced and harmonious design.
The brass has a beautiful warm golden finish, highlighting the crispness of the fluting, the precision of the cast decoration and the exceptional quality of the overall construction.
Weighing approximately 5.6 kg, the lamp has a reassuring solidity and substantial presence, reflecting the quality of manufacture associated with the finest English Victorian lighting.
Hinks & Sons were among the most respected and innovative British lighting manufacturers of the Victorian period.
The business was established by James Hinks in Birmingham during the mid-nineteenth century, operating from the renowned Crystal Lamp Works in Great Hampton Street and Hockley Street, with a further presence in London.
Birmingham was one of Britain's leading centres of metalworking and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, and the firm became particularly well known for combining advanced lighting technology with beautifully crafted decorative designs.
Working alongside his son Joseph, James Hinks developed a series of important improvements to oil lamp technology.
One of the firm's most significant achievements was the introduction of the celebrated Patent Duplex burner during the 1860s. This innovative system incorporated two flat wicks rather than one, producing considerably greater illumination while improving the efficiency and practicality of domestic oil lighting.
Hinks lamps became especially admired for their reliability, efficient operation and sophisticated engineering. Their designs helped reduce the smoke, unpleasant odours and frequent wick maintenance associated with earlier oil lamps.
Alongside these technical achievements, the company developed an excellent reputation for the quality of its decorative metalwork.
Its lighting frequently incorporated classical architectural forms, beautifully cast brass components, finely detailed capitals and carefully proportioned bases. Corinthian column lamps became particularly desirable, reflecting the Victorian fascination with classical antiquity and the grand architectural interiors of the period.
The company's work remains appreciated today by collectors of Victorian lighting and decorative antiques, with surviving examples valued for their combination of engineering heritage, quality materials and enduring design.
The Corinthian column has long been associated with elegance, refinement and architectural grandeur.
With its distinctive fluted shaft and elaborate acanthus-leaf capital, the design was widely adopted in the decorative arts of the nineteenth century, particularly for lighting intended for drawing rooms, libraries and country house interiors.
This example is particularly attractive for its generous proportions, finely executed brasswork and beautifully balanced silhouette.
Its substantial height makes it especially suitable for a large console table, sideboard, library table or country house drawing room, where it provides both practical illumination and a striking architectural presence.
The warm brass finish complements traditional interiors beautifully, while the strong classical form also lends itself to contemporary interiors seeking an individual antique statement piece.
The lamp is photographed with our Medium Empire Lampshade – Ecru with Stucco, handmade in the United Kingdom.
The softly pleated fabric and warm neutral colouring complement the brass beautifully, creating a refined and timeless appearance.
Please note that the lampshade is not included in the advertised price.
The Medium Empire Lampshade – Ecru with Stucco can be purchased separately directly from Shackleton Fox.
The lamp is presented in excellent antique condition, having been carefully cleaned and sympathetically restored in the Shackleton Fox workshop.
The brasswork has been thoroughly cleaned, revealing the beautifully detailed Corinthian capital, crisp fluted column and finely stepped architectural base. The warm golden finish complements the classical design while retaining the character of an antique piece.
The lamp has been fully rewired using modern electrical components and PAT inspected in our workshop, ensuring it is ready for use in the United Kingdom.
Any minor signs of age and historic use are consistent with its period and do not detract from its overall appearance.
All measurements are for the lamp only and exclude the lampshade.
Height: 90 cm / 35.43 inches
Width: 18 cm / 7.09 inches
Depth: 18 cm / 7.09 inches
Weight: 5.6 kg / 12.35 lbs
Date: Late 19th century, circa 1880–1900 (provisional dating)
Origin: England
Maker: Hinks & Sons, Birmingham (attribution supplied; maker's mark to be verified)
Period: Victorian
Style: Neoclassical / Corinthian Column
Materials: Brass
Design: Fluted Corinthian column with ornate acanthus-leaf capital, stepped circular socle and square architectural plinth.
Finish: Warm polished brass.
Lampshade: Not included; available separately.
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.
