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.