Very Rare Brass Chandelier by W.A.S. Benson
by W.A.S. Benson
£28,000
Attributed to W.A.S. Benson
The six arm chandelier in the shape of a brass mistletoe bush with opalescent vaseline glass shades. In excellent original condition. Unstamped
England, circa 1900
Product Description
Attributed to W.A.S. Benson
The six arm chandelier in the shape of a brass mistletoe bush with opalescent vaseline glass shades. In excellent original condition. Unstamped
England, circa 1900
Possibly a one-off commission as the chandelier appears to be unique. Mistletoe was a popular theme for Art Nouveau designers and Benson bring their own interpretation to the botanical genre. The composition is cleverly articulated, the finish smooth and cleanly cut.
Mistletoe's associations with fertility and vitality had resonated throughout the Ages, and by the 18th century it had become widely incorporated into Christmas celebrations. 'The golden bough' was held sacred by both the Celtic Druids and Norseman. Once called 'Allheal' it was used in folk medicine to cure many ills and was also the plant of peace to Vikings. If enemies met by chance beneath it in a forest, they laid down their arms and maintained a truce until the next day.
It should also be noted that, in the early days of electric lighting (the light bulb as we know it was invented in 1878), the wiring was celebrated as part of the design (Notes on Electric Wiring and Fittings, 1897, quoted in Hamerton et al., p. 113) and deliberately not hidden.
The six arm chandelier in the shape of a brass mistletoe bush with opalescent vaseline glass shades. In excellent original condition. Unstamped
England, circa 1900
Possibly a one-off commission as the chandelier appears to be unique. Mistletoe was a popular theme for Art Nouveau designers and Benson bring their own interpretation to the botanical genre. The composition is cleverly articulated, the finish smooth and cleanly cut.
Mistletoe's associations with fertility and vitality had resonated throughout the Ages, and by the 18th century it had become widely incorporated into Christmas celebrations. 'The golden bough' was held sacred by both the Celtic Druids and Norseman. Once called 'Allheal' it was used in folk medicine to cure many ills and was also the plant of peace to Vikings. If enemies met by chance beneath it in a forest, they laid down their arms and maintained a truce until the next day.
It should also be noted that, in the early days of electric lighting (the light bulb as we know it was invented in 1878), the wiring was celebrated as part of the design (Notes on Electric Wiring and Fittings, 1897, quoted in Hamerton et al., p. 113) and deliberately not hidden.
Code:
10608
Further Information
Details & Dimensions
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H 90cm x Dia. 75cm
H 35.45" x Dia. 29.54"
H 35.45" x Dia. 29.54"
