A very rare George III Neo Classical Cast Taperstick made in London in 1781 by Robert Jones, the design attributed to the Royal Architect, Sir William Chambers.
A very rare George III Neo Classical Cast Taperstick made in London in 1781 by Robert Jones, the design attributed to the Royal Architect, Sir William Chambers.
374079
The Taperstick stands on a circular spreading, stepped, foot which is decorated with an unusual band of foliate motifs, below a beaded band. The base also displays bluebell garlands and paterae. The central baluster shaft is also decorated with bluebell garlands, beading, laurel leaf bands and very unusual palm motifs. The main shaft rises to a tulip shaped socket, also decorated with the blue bell garlands, beading, laurel leaf bands and very unusual palm motifs. The main shaft rises to a tulip shaped socket, also decorated with the blue bell garlands and displaying a beaded rim. This piece has a detachable nozzle with beaded rim. The inside of the base displays a very crisp set of hallmarks and the nozzle is marked with the maker's mark and sterling mark. The base and nozzle are engraved with a contemporary Crest, this being the Crest of the Reverend William Norris, of Wood Norton Hall in Norfolk.
This design was first used by the Royal architect, Sir William Chambers, based on drawings carried out by Chambers' pupil John Yenn (1750-1821), now in the Victoria & Albert Museum. The design was first used by Chambers in the 1760's after the 4th Duke of Marlborough employed the celebrated architect to undertake extensive alterations to Blenheim Palace, and Marlborough House in London. The Duke also ordered a silver dinner service from Parker & Wakelin in this design attributed to Chambers. Stylistic similarities, as well as the use of heavy swags, can be seen in Chambers' model for a state coach for George III (also in the V & A). Similarly the bluebell festoons and paterae relate to Chambers' work on the East Gate at Blenheim. Some pieces from the Marlborough Service still survive at Blenheim Palace and other known examples are a tureen in the Leeds City Art Gallery.
Tapersticks were exact miniatures of the full sized candlesticks used on the dining table and would have been used on a desk with a slow burner taper to seal letters. It is unusual to find tapersticks decorated in this high Neo Classical manner. Robert Jones was an exceptional maker who specialised in salvers and candle related pieces. His work is of the finest quality in terms of design and production and he was, for some time, in partnership with the great John Schofield.
Height: 7 inches, 17.5 cm.
Base Diameter: 3.45 inches, 8.63cm.
Weight: 7oz.
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, now in the Victoria & Albert Museum. The design was first used by Chambers in the 1760's after the 4th Duke of Marlborough employed the celebrated architect to undertake extensive alterations to Blenheim Palace, and Marlborough House in London. The Duke also ordered a silver dinner service from Parker & Wakelin in this design attributed to Chambers. Stylistic similarities, as well as the use of heavy swags, can be seen in Chambers' model for a state coach for George III (also in the V & A). Similarly the bluebell festoons and paterae relate to Chambers' work on the East Gate at Blenheim. Some pieces from the Marlborough Service still survive at Blenheim Palace and other known examples are a tureen in the Leeds City Art Gallery. Tapersticks were exact miniatures of the full sized candlesticks used on the dining table and would have been used on a desk with a slow burner taper to seal letters. It is unusual to find tapersticks decorated in this high Neo Classical manner. Robert Jones was an exceptional maker who specialised in salvers and candle related pieces. His work is of the finest quality in terms of design and production and he was, for some time, in partnership with the great John Schofield.Height: 7 inches, 17.5 cm.Base Diameter: 3.45 inches, 8.63cm.Weight: 7oz.){kind=link}