Object Description
An unusual large and decorative padouk glazed wall lantern, in the Palladian architectural manner of William Kent,
Circa 1900.
Why we like it
This is certainly the most unusual example of wall lantern that we have ever seen, clearly inspired by the work of William Kent, a celebrity architect of the early 18th century’s England. Framed with a Greek key border and surmounted by a swan-neck cresting, centered by a Venus shell finial and carved festive garland, this lantern will look equally superb on a Queen Anne period house porch or on a modern minimalist concrete wall. Good scale, great quality.
Currently not wired, but can be fitted for any country.
This unusual object is a later copy of the original circa 1730’s pair of mahogany wall lanterns now at the Victoria & Albert Museum, bequeathed by Brigadier W.E. Clark in circa 1950.
Wall lanterns were designed to hold a candle and would be fixed to the wall. Lanterns had glazed sides to prevent the flame from blowing out, and wall lanterns were used in narrow, draughty spaces such as passages and stairs. They invariably had a mirrored back, like this one, to reflect more light.
Literature:
D. Fitzgerald, Georgian Furniture, London, 1969, no. 20
Provenance:
Christie’s, London, Ronald Phillips sale, 2 July 2014, Lot 34.