SILVER FOR THE  TABLE

 

 

The decoration of dining tables has for long been a minor art

form. In classical times wealthy Romans scattered rose petals on

their elaborate tables. In subsequent centuries objects on tables have

been ways of displaying wealth and indicating status - hence the concept of the high table and the phrase ‘above’ or ‘below the salt.’ The modern trend is towards a greater simplicity. We have moved a long way from the fashion remarked on by Norfolk’s Parson Woodforde when he dined with the Bishop of Norwich. The late C18th Episcopal table, we are told, was adorned with porcelain figures – probably Bow or Chelsea – in a sort of rustic tableau.

One object which is still admitted to the table is the candlestick. The best have always been of bronze, gold or silver, the most famous being

the Gloucester candlestick, dating from the early 1100’s, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and no doubt originally used on an altar. In the Georgian period, with the fashion for larger dining tables, the candlestick came into its own, and their styles reflected current movements in the arts from baroque, through rococo to the neo-classical.

Included in Horners auction at Acle Gallery on 8th May were three excellent pairs of George III silver candlesticks. The earliest were by George Atkins and in the form of imposing Corinthian columns over 30cm in height. Made two years later were a pair by William Cripps in the form of fluted columns on circular bases; cast in solid metal they weighed 46oz. A third pair were in the neo-classical style, made in 1791 by the Sheffield maker Luke Proctor. All were in excellent condition and would grace any table as much as they must have done in the eighteenth century. Consigned from a Norfolk country house they accompanied a rare James II silver tankard and a tea caddy of 1782.

This antique and collectors sale also offered some interesting furniture,

jewellery and pictures, along with a collection of C18th Chinese blue and white table ware. From the same home as the candlesticks this porcelain may well have been lit up by them over two hundred years ago for the benefit of Georgian diners.