BY MATTHEW BOULTON, CIRCA 1770

The model appears as a candle-vase in Boulton’s Pattern Book I (N. Goodison, Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002, p. 305, pl. 278), while this precise variation of candle-branches is illustrated separately as sketch no. 125 in the same volume (ibid., p. 319, pl. 312). A model of this type, which brings together several designs from Boulton’s manufactory, illustrates the highly adaptable nature of his production. He was able to offer clients bespoke combinations tailored to their preferences. This flexibility explains why surviving examples often incorporate elements from multiple patterns; the final configuration likely depended on whether the client preferred a white marble or blue john vase body, the inclusion or omission of candle-branches, a lid conceived to serve as both candleholder and perfume burner, and so forth.