Candlesticks & Candelabra

There is nothing quite as wistfully romantic as the flickering flare of a lit candelabra, and its elegance is made all the more enduring with the artful array of designs available in antique and vintage candlesticks. While these pieces have their own unique history, they all share the common heritage of the origins of illumination that began centuries ago.

The necessity for a candlestick didn’t emerge until the dawn of the candle itself, which made its debut in in the 6th century B.C. First created by the Romans as a source of light from repurposed animal tallow, these candles were not for daily use but rather for ceremonial functions and gifts.

It was not until the Middle Ages that the widespread use of candles caught on across the European continent. Once that spark was lit, the demand for candles and a tasteful way to display them grew exponentially. By the 18th and 19th centuries, increasingly elegant candlesticks and candelabra were being crafted in the studios of great silversmiths such as Matthew Boulton and Paul Storr, as well as porcelain houses including Sevres and Meissen.

Quick Facts

• The oldest recorded candles that survive today are those discovered in Oberflacht, Germany. Crafted from beeswax, they date to approximately the 6th century A.D.
• Candles in the 18th century were often made from the oil derived from sperm whales. It was not until the end of the century that scientists discovered non-animal based means for candle production
• The biggest blow to the candle industry came in 1879, when the incandescent light bulb was introduced