Design for a Silver Chandelier with Two Variants

George Wickes

Not on view

The design is one of two recorded designs for silver chandeliers, supplied to Robert Walpole by George Wickes for Houghton Hall (Norfolk) in 1743. Whether Wickes himself designed the pieces is unclear. It appears that the designs were never executed in silver, as they are not recorded in the inventories made after Walpole’s death in 1745. This drawing focusses on the main body of the chandelier and shows two variants for the decoration of the arms, which possibly explains the two loose sheets it is made on. On the left side, a dragon-like mask forms the mount for the arms, while on the right side the arm is supported by the characteristic head of a Saracen, which confirms the connection with the Walpole family, and Robert Walpole in particular.

Design for a Silver Chandelier with Two Variants, George Wickes (British, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1698–1761 Thurston, Suffolk), Red and black chalk

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Design for a Silver Chandelier with Two Variants, George Wickes (British, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1698–1761 Thurston, Suffolk), Red and black chalk
Design for a Silver Chandelier with Two Variants, George Wickes (British, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1698–1761 Thurston, Suffolk), Red and black chalk
Design for a Silver Chandelier with Two Variants, George Wickes (British, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1698–1761 Thurston, Suffolk), Red and black chalk

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