A fabulous pair of copper candlesticks to a design attributed to former Guild of Handicraft member, John Williams, circa 1905.

These large candlesticks are very much in the arts and crafts style with a delicate hand planished finish and riveted construction. I am confident that they are actually altar candlesticks designed by John Williams and possibly made as a commission by the Newton School of Metal Work. They are near identical to a beautiful design found in the archive of the Newton School. The design is for a cross, altar candlesticks and a vase and has been hand drawn and painted with watercolours. These very high quality designs were almost certainly produced by Williams for the School and this one was likely a commission for a local church. The Newton School produced some very high quality ecclesiastical pieces for churches and these pieces were made by their most talented metalworkers.

Further evidence that this design is by John Williams are elements of the design that can be seen on other documented examples of his work for churches. The use of riveted construction and, in particular, the riveted scalloped edge can be seen on work illustrated in The Art Workers Quarterly in 1905.

A really beautiful pair of large Arts and Crafts candlesticks in great condition.