Candelabrum c. 1937

This drawing depicts a candelabrum, made by Robert W.R. Taylor. The original object would have been fabricated in metal, likely iron or bronze, using a combination of forging, casting, and joining techniques. Consider the labor involved. The base might be cast in a mold, while the floral elements of the upper section would demand meticulous hand-craftsmanship by a blacksmith. Heating, hammering, bending, and welding each component into place. The candelabrum's design reflects a blend of functionality and artistry. Its ornate, botanical motifs speak to a time when even everyday objects incorporated decorative elements, yet also remind us that while this object has aspirations to beauty and art, it's also doing the basic work of holding candles and providing light. This collapsing of the aesthetic and the functional is at the heart of craft. By attending to the candelabrum’s making and purpose, we come to appreciate the skill of the craftsman, and the cultural values embedded within the object.