Lot 260
AN IMPORTANT SUITE OF TEN CANDLESTICKS AND MATCHING PAIR OF CANDELABRA
JOHN CRICHTON III, EDINBURGH 1879
Scottish Works of Art & Whisky
Auction: 16 August 2023 at 11:00 BST
Description
the foliate writhen sconces above a similarly decorated twisted baluster stem, raised on a stepped shaped circular domed base, each with flared foliate formed pull out sconce, each engraved with crest and motto, the triple branch candelabra of similar form with scrolling foliate arms
Dimensions
candlesticks: 22cm high, candelabra: 46cm high, 17.8oz + 59.5oz each
Provenance
Provenance:
Private collection, Property of a Gentleman
Footnote
Heraldry:
The Crest of Brodie of Lethen, Co. Elginshire (or Nairnshire)
Crest:
A dexter hand holding a bunch of five arrows all proper
Motto:
Be mindful to unite
Note:
This remarkable suite of candelabra and matching candlesticks must rank amongst the largest sets of Scottish hallmarked examples ever recorded.
Commissioned by James Campbell John Brodie of Lethen, the 12th of Lethen, who was born 26th March 1848 and died 26th February 1880 a month before his 32nd birthday and likely only just after this commission was complete.
James had succeeded his elder brother, Thomas Stewart Brodie in 1865. Married to Fanny Sophia Constance Wood (died 21st March 1909) on the 7th September 1869. She was the third daughter of Edmund Thomas Wedgwood Wood, of Henley Hall, Ludlow in the County of Shropshire and his wife, Sophia Schmidt.
James served as the Lord Lieutenant for the County of Nairnshire from 1873 until his death as well as the Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Morayshire. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Alexander who was only 4 years old at the time.
This remarkable suite directly copies European cast mid-18th century (and earlier) candlesticks. The design commonly found in major cities in central Europe notably Strasburg and crossing the border into Germany. The copy is so direct it seems highly likely that the Brodie of Lethen family had, at least, a pair of such sticks and wanted to enlarge a set. This original set presumably a family heirloom and now in wealthier and / or raised in status the family wished to cement their heritage while promoting their current standing.