Candlestick 1771 - 1772

Editor: Here we have a pair of silver candlesticks created around 1771-72 by William Cox III, shimmering here on display. Their baroque style is immediately striking, and the metal work feels both incredibly ornate and quite imposing. What strikes you most about these pieces? Curator: It's funny you say imposing; I always thought they looked almost… fragile? The reflections, the intricate detail - like tiny stories etched in silver. And think about the light they held. Each flicker of the candle casting shadows that danced around these meticulously crafted objects. Editor: Stories in silver – I like that. So, given they are nearly 250 years old, what kind of 'story' are they trying to tell us? Curator: I imagine they have seen it all, quiet witnesses to grand feasts and intimate gatherings. Remember this was the height of Georgian England, where things had to reflect not just utility but also sophistication. Editor: Do you think they're more sculpture than functional object? Curator: That is a clever question. Both, of course! I like to imagine people of that era really appreciating design. Imagine the dedication and mastery needed to work with silver like this; this object definitely has artistic aspirations! I love thinking about what kinds of conversations unfolded under the candlelight these holders provided. It makes you wonder what voices and secrets they listened to. Editor: Exactly! So, it isn't only about the material; the candlesticks are like time capsules of history and memories. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Curator: My pleasure! Thinking of everyday objects, and where they take you, is always such a joy.