A very rare pair of George III Reading Candlesticks made in London in 1782 by John Schofield.
A very rare pair of George III Reading Candlesticks made in London in 1782 by John Schofield.
375425
The purpose of these candlesticks was to provide a low flame for reading, and they are usually smaller versions of the candlesticks used on the dining table. Reading Candlesticks are incredibly scarce and as you will see from the images, these pieces are modelled in Schofield's signature style with a circular base decorated with two bands of beading. The tapering stems are decorated with flat fluting and rise to a plain horizontal band within a beaded frame. The tulip shaped sockets are decorated with flat fluting and the detachable nozzles display a beaded rim. Both pieces are in excellent condition and fully marked in the bases. The nozzles are marked with the sterling mark and maker's mark. These pieces are of a good weight and gauge and the exceptional quality expected from Schofield who was patronised by George III and the Prince of Wales, later George IV, when furnishing Carlton House on the Mall. Either on his own, or in partnership with Robert Jones, his work is exceptional. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that " In his candlesticks and candelabra Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftsmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith, Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Schofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr . No one could mount glass better, as is shown by his cruet in the Rotch Collection (Victoria & Albert Museum). It seems likely that he also worked for Jeffrey's, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have made considerable commissions for Carlton House". Schofield was working from premises at 29 Bell Yard when these were made and similarities can be seen with the Spencer Candelabra, also by Schofield, which we are currently offering for sale.
Height: 6.45 inches, 16.13 cm.
Base Diameter: 3.45 inches, 8.63 cm.
Weight: 14oz, the pair.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1760-1830/a-very-rare-pair-of-george-iii-reading-candlesticks-made-in-london-in-1782-by-john-schofield&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/6837062201d85_image_url_aw30aa.jpg&description=The purpose of these candlesticks was to provide a low flame for reading, and they are usually smaller versions of the candlesticks used on the dining table. Reading Candlesticks are incredibly scarce and as you will see from the images, these pieces are modelled in Schofield's signature style with a circular base decorated with two bands of beading. The tapering stems are decorated with flat fluting and rise to a plain horizontal band within a beaded frame. The tulip shaped sockets are decorated with flat fluting and the detachable nozzles display a beaded rim. Both pieces are in excellent condition and fully marked in the bases. The nozzles are marked with the sterling mark and maker's mark. These pieces are of a good weight and gauge and the exceptional quality expected from Schofield who was patronised by George III and the Prince of Wales, later George IV, when furnishing Carlton House on the Mall. Either on his own, or in partnership with Robert Jones, his work is exceptional. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that " In his candlesticks and candelabra Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftsmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith, Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Schofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr . No one could mount glass better, as is shown by his cruet in the Rotch Collection (Victoria & Albert Museum). It seems likely that he also worked for Jeffrey's, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have made considerable commissions for Carlton House". Schofield was working from premises at 29 Bell Yard when these were made and similarities can be seen with the Spencer Candelabra, also by Schofield, which we are currently offering for sale.Height: 6.45 inches, 16.13 cm.Base Diameter: 3.45 inches, 8.63 cm.Weight: 14oz, the pair. ){kind=link}