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Description: A PAIR OF BLUE JOHN CANDLESTICKS LATE 18TH/EARLY 19TH CENTURY

29cm. high, 11cm. wide; 11 1/2 in., 4 1/4 in.

of marked variegated colour ranging from deep amethyst to pale brown, the ring-turned columns on square plinths

Condition Note:

some restorations

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

NOTE

Whilst Blue John was a fashionable material used in England during the late 18th and early 19th century for a variety of ornamental wares such as vases, goblets, obelisks and tazze, it is rare to find candlesticks in this medium. Examples of these objects are discussed and illustrated in Bernard G. Hughes, Derbyshire Blue John, Country Life, 3rd December 1953, pp.1834-1839 and Trevor D. Ford, Derbyshire Blue John, 2000. Blue John is found almost exclusively at Treak Cliff at Castleton, Derbyshire, where it has been mined for three centuries. Different parts of Treak Cliff Hill render distinct patterns, or veins, formed from the linings of ancient caves of the fillings around boulders. Miller's vein, mined in or near Witches Cave on the east face of Treak Cliff is characterised by a 'thick white lower part divided into two pairs of very thin blue stripes, one stronger than the other in each pair' (see Ford op.cit., p. 36). This particular vein has remained popular since the third quarter of the 18th century, when it was incorporated into Adam-designed chimney-pieces, and when Matthew Boulton specifically ordered Miller's Vein for his ormolu-mounted objects.

A pair of Blue John columns of slightly larger size sold Sotheby's London, 30 June 2001, lot 18.