Candlestick 1741

These candlesticks were crafted from silver by Robert Tyrill, a London-based silversmith, sometime between 1720 and 1757. During the 18th century, precious metal objects were potent symbols of social standing. Silver pieces like these would have been centerpieces in aristocratic British households, reflecting the wealth produced through colonial exploitation and trade. Tyrill’s candlesticks, with their elegant curves, embody a moment of transition in British design. While reflecting the period's prevailing baroque tastes, they also hint at the emergence of the neoclassical style that would come to dominate later in the century. Reflect on how these ornate objects, designed to hold light, also cast light on a society grappling with new global dynamics. They are quiet witnesses to the era's complex interplay of luxury, power, and evolving artistic tastes.