MARK OF MATTHEW BOULTON AND JOHN FOTHERGILL, BIRMINGHAM, 1778

Details

A set of six George III silver candlesticks
Mark of Matthew Boulton and John Fothergill, Birmingham, 1778
Each baluster form on shaped square base with husk garlands at the angles, with fluted stem and acanthus borders, the spool-shaped socket with detachable fluted circular nozzle with beaded border, engraved with a crest and motto on the knop, marked on foot-rims and nozzles, each also engraved with number and scratchweight, filled (two lacking filling)
12in. (30.5cm.) high
gross 133oz. (4,156gr.)
The crest is that of Neeld (6)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) of Birmingham, ran a manufactory complex, employing good design and increasing quantity and quality while keeping prices low. He was one of the first to curtail child labour and introduce a social and medical security plan for his craftsmen. Principal designers at Boulton's Soho Manufactory included Robert Adam (1728-1792), the vastly influential neo-classical architect and designer. Although not definitively assignable to him the present candlesticks, in the 'Pompeian' style, show the neo-classical qualities which were Adam's hallmark and bear marked similarities to candlestick designs he is known to have accomplished for Boulton and executed by Boulton and Fothergill.

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