George II rosewood Candlestand or Torchère
Unknown maker, 1745

This rare George II torchère (candlestand) is a particularly fine example of its kind, being distinguished by its exquisite craftsmanship and carved embellishments, including acanthus leaves and feet in the shape of lion’s paws.
Torchères were generally made in pairs, and this example has been identified as the matching partner (formerly assumed lost) to the rosewood candlestand now in the collection of Fairfax House. The Fairfax House torchère was acquired by the collector Noel Terry from the London dealer Mallet in 1944, so the pair must have been separated before this date.
Terry (of the Terry’s chocolate family) built his nationally significant collection of Georgian furniture and clocks between 1918 and 1980. On his death it was given to York Civic Trust and is now housed in the Georgian rooms at the Fairfax House museum.
Both tray tops show the same colour loss, likely from light exposure during their time together in the same environmental conditions. They are now reunited as part of Fairfax House’s scholarly displays of 18th-century furniture and interiors.
More information
Title of artwork, date
George II rosewood Candlestand or Torchère, 1745
Medium and material
Wood, carved Indian rosewood or Padouk
Dimensions
78.2 x 51
Grant
4225
Total cost
8450

Get a National Art Pass and explore Fairfax House
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Fairfax House
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.