18th Century Continental Altar Pricket Candlestick Floor Lamp 140cm

Late 18th Century Continental Painted Altar Pricket Candlestick / Floor Lamp A wonderfully decorative and unusually tall late 18th century Continental altar or pricket candlestick, dating to the latter part of the 1700s and subsequently converted for use as an electric floor lamp. Standing approximately 140cm tall, it has enormous presence and would make a fantastic statement piece in the right interior. Constructed from carved wood and gesso, the candlestick retains a wonderfully aged painted surface with areas of old gilding/gold decoration, extensive natural wear and a rich patina accumulated over more than two centuries. The substantial shaped base is heavily weighted with lead/metal, giving the piece stability despite its considerable height. It has undergone restoration during its long life, including areas of historic repair and later painted/gilt decoration. These have been left visible rather than attempting to make the piece appear artificially perfect and form part of its character. At some point it was converted from an ecclesiastical candlestick to electric lighting, making it particularly usable today as an unusual floor or statement lamp. A very decorative piece of early Continental ecclesiastical furniture with genuine age, scale and character. Height: approx. 140cm Period: Late 18th century Origin: Continental Europe Material: Carved wood and gesso with weighted metal/lead base Condition: Good decorative antique condition with considerable age-related wear, historic repairs, losses and later decoration as shown. Converted to electricity at a later date. Please study the photographs as these form an important part of the condition description. Delivery: Please contact me regarding delivery. Collection is also welcome from Hendles Hoard at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.