The magic of candlelight: the flicker of a flame in a dark room. Since the dawn of time man has chased light and by the 18th Century he lit his homes by candlelight
Candles were extremely expensive and were essentially the privilege of the very wealthy and as you can see here, on this table, we have a collection of Scandinavian cut glass ormolu and marble candelabra: These are extraordinarily magical items, made in a country which is particularly dark throughout the winter months.
They were constructed to give off as much light as possible as you can see cut glass drops reflect the light and sparkle adding an extra magical luster to any room setting.
Just as people placed candles in candelabra on table tops, it was also fashionable from the late 18th century onwards to place candles on socles attached to mirrors such as this.
This Regency period mirror is made in about 1810. It’s fantastical. The light is reflected in this convex mirror plate and it’s surmounted with a hippocampus which is a mythical beastand a pair of carved dolphins spouting seawater.
Whatever you’re doing this winter, make sure you’re doing it by candlelight.
