Originally parcel-gilded, the 'herm' pedestals, enriched with husks and acanthus leaves, are designed in the George III 'antique' manner and relate to patterns for 'Therms' and 'Candle Stands' published in Messrs. Ince and Mayhew's Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, pls. VIII and LXVII-LXIX.
A pair of George III walnut torcheres with very similar acanthus-wrapped voluted feet was sold by Archibald Stirling of Keir, Keir Mains, Perthshire, Christie's house sale, 22-23 May 1995, lot 134. Another similar pair, on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum and at 10 Downing Street, is illustrated in M. Bailey, 'Pictures for the Prime Minister', Country Life, 5 September 1996, p. 44.