Georgian Style Candle Holders
Georgian style candle holders bring classical symmetry and refined lighting to a room, ranging from brass columns to silver candelabra.
Georgian Style Candle Holders
Georgian style candle holders include candlesticks, multi-light candelabra, wall sconces, chambersticks and wall-mounted candle boxes. The selection spans straightforward brass pairs from the nineteenth century alongside later revivals executed in sterling silver and silver plate.
Most examples found on this page follow formal design idioms such as Neoclassical columns, Regency bronze and ormolu, or George III mahogany. Makers interpret these historical formats across diverse materials from the Georgian era through the twentieth century.
Forms vary from single utilitarian brass sticks to ornate porcelain figural pieces and tall four-light candelabra. Buyers encounter both period originals and later stylistic revivals sharing the same classical silhouette.
Assessing standard and execution
Quality rests upon the crispness of the casting, the weight of the metal and the integrity of the joins. Heavier sterling silver and substantial brass examples demonstrate superior stability compared to lighter plated or hollow alternatives.
Proportion and decorative restraint dictate visual merit within classical revivals. Pieces exhibiting well-balanced proportions and sharply defined classical detailing command greater appreciation than softer, less articulated castings.
Listings feature items spanning the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, utilising brass, sterling silver, mahogany and porcelain.
Mappin & Webb·Masons Ironstone·Minton·Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd·Barker Ellis·James Dixon & Sons·Wedgwood·Meissen
The Georgian Style Candle Holders Glossary
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple lights. These branch-like arms extend from a central stem to support several candles simultaneously.
- Chamberstick
- A low candlestick fitted with a handle and a small drip pan. Originally designed for carrying safely around a dark house.
- Sconce
- A wall-mounted lighting fixture. It projects outwards to hold candles and often uses a backplate to reflect the illumination.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze used for decorative mounts. The technique involves applying a gold amalgam to bronze before heating.
Georgian Style Candle Holders: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean silver candle holders?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver polish specifically formulated for precious metals. Avoid abrasive pads that can wear down thin plating or intricate chasing.
Take care around weighted bases, keeping moisture away from the interior filling material to prevent structural damage.
What is a chamberstick used for?
A chamberstick is a portable candle holder equipped with a shallow saucer to catch dripping wax and a ring handle. People carried them through hallways and up staircases before domestic lighting.
Many examples also include a small conical snuffer resting in the tray to extinguish the flame safely.
How do I distinguish brass from bronze?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, typically displaying a brighter golden hue. Bronze contains copper and tin, presenting a deeper, warmer brown coloration.
Bronze also generally feels heavier and harder than brass when cast into similar decorative forms.