Jessie Taylor
Candles have been used for lighting and religious purposes for centuries. The earliest candlesticks were made of stone or metal, and references to ecclesiastical candlesticks can be found in the Old Testament. In the Middle Ages, candlesticks became more popular as they were used to light homes and businesses. The earliest recorded mention of a candle holder was from 1699 in England, and the most common form of candlestick today is the taper candlestick, invented by Jeremiah Colman around 1780. Over time, candlesticks became more decorative and were often made of expensive materials such as silver and gold. They were also used as status symbols, with the most elaborate designs belonging to the wealthiest owners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest recorded mention of a candle holder | 1699 in England |
| Earliest candlesticks made of | Stone or metal |
| Used for | Religious ceremonies |
| Became popular | Middle Ages |
| Became more decorative | 18th century |
| Made of expensive materials | Silver and gold |
| Used as | Status symbols |
| Became affordable | 19th century |
| Made of less expensive materials | Brass and glass |
| Types | Traditional, candelabra, vintage |
| Traditional candlestick holder | Holds one candle |
| Candelabra | Multi-armed holder for multiple candles |
| Vintage candle holders made of | Brass or iron |
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What You'll Learn
The earliest candle holders
The use of candle holders, or candlesticks, has evolved over centuries, with the earliest ones made of stone or metal. References to candlesticks in the Old Testament indicate their use in religious ceremonies. For instance, Moses was commanded to craft a menorah, a candelabrum of hammered gold with a base, shaft, six arms, and seven candles. When Solomon built his temple, he placed ten golden candlesticks inside, five on each side of the Holy Place.
The Middle Ages saw an increase in the popularity of candlesticks as they were used to light homes and businesses. The wealthy would have had a great quantity of candlesticks, often made of silver gilt, silver, or gold, and decorated with intricate designs. For example, Henry VI owned a pair of gold candlesticks adorned with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. In the 18th century, candlesticks became more decorative and were used as status symbols, with the more elaborate the design, the wealthier the owner was considered.
Candlesticks were also made from less expensive materials, such as brass, pewter, and earthenware, with some pieces surviving from the 17th century. A pair of candlesticks from 1618 have solid sockets and grease pans, with stems and triangular bases of wire, supported on three feet. Another example is an English brass candlestick from circa 1650, with a ridged ball knop, a trumpet-shaped foot, and a drip pan halfway up the column.
By the 19th century, candlesticks became more affordable and accessible to all social classes. They were often made from materials like brass and glass, featuring simpler designs.
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Religious candle holders
In the Middle Ages, candle holders became more common as they were used for lighting in homes and businesses. They were also used in religious ceremonies, with the Romans using candelabras—branched candle holders placed on a surface—in public buildings and churches. The Roman candelabras were often made of stone or marble and included a disk with a spike to hold a wax or tallow candle.
During the Victorian Era, candle holders were often crafted from brass or silver due to their expense. The candelabrum, a candle holder with multiple arms, was the most popular during this time. These candle holders were decorated with flowers and had long handles for easy carrying. Candelabras, which resemble chandeliers but hold candles instead of light bulbs, were also popular in the Victorian Era and were used in churches and the homes of the wealthy.
In the 18th century, candlestick holders became more decorative and elaborate, often made from expensive materials such as silver and gold. They were used as status symbols, with the most intricate designs belonging to the wealthiest owners. By the 19th century, candlestick holders became more affordable and accessible to people of all social classes. They were made from less expensive materials such as brass and glass and featured simpler designs.
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Candle holders as status symbols
The use of candle holders as status symbols has evolved over the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Initially crafted from stone or metal, candle holders served a practical purpose in lighting homes and religious ceremonies. However, as time progressed, they transformed into objects of art and luxury, reflecting wealth and social standing.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, candle holders became more elaborate, crafted from precious metals such as silver and gold. The level of intricacy in their design and the use of expensive materials signalled the owner's status. For instance, royal palaces boasted candle holders adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological or religious scenes. Similarly, ecclesiastical candle holders in churches and cathedrals were often made from precious metals and intricate details, reflecting the power and influence of the Church.
In the 18th century, candle holders continued to be status symbols, with the wealthy adorning their homes with an abundance of candlesticks. Sir Thomas Ramsey, a former Lord Mayor of London, had 58 brass candlesticks in his household inventory. The craftsmanship and intricate details of these candle holders elevated their status beyond mere functionality.
The Nagel candle holder, which debuted in the late 1960s, exemplifies how candle holders can become iconic symbols of design and creativity. Designed by Hans Nagel and Werner Stoff, this three-legged candle holder with three domes became a work of art, reflecting the cultural shifts and individual expression of its time.
In modern times, candle holders continue to be a popular accessory, with diverse designs influenced by contemporary art movements. While materials such as glass, wood, and metal are commonly used, intricate designs and artistic expressions still elevate some candle holders to the status of coveted objets d'art. Furthermore, the rise of social media has contributed to the resurgence of candle holders as status symbols, with brands like Diptyque and Byredo gaining widespread attention through Instagram and other online platforms.
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The evolution of candle holder materials
In the Renaissance, artists began to experiment with a variety of materials, including Limoges enamels, Saint-Porchaire faience pottery, amber, and damascened iron. The Italian bronze founders of this period produced some of the most magnificent examples, including huge altar candlesticks with angel supporters of almost life-size. The most impressive candlesticks were made of rock crystal mounted in precious metal and enriched with translucent enamels.
By the 18th century, candle holders had become more decorative, with intricate designs and expensive materials such as silver and gold. They were often used as status symbols, with the most elaborate pieces belonging to the wealthiest individuals. Silver candlesticks, for example, were made with stems boldly modelled with human or animal figures. However, due to the large amount of precious metal used, very few of these have survived. During the 18th century, brass chandeliers also became popular in the Netherlands, featuring boldly shaped baluster stems and S-shaped branches ending in sockets for candles.
In the 19th century, candle holders became more affordable and accessible to all social classes. They were often made from less expensive materials such as brass and glass, though they still featured decorative designs. By the Victorian era, brass and silver were the most common materials used for candle holders. Today, candle holders are still a popular home accessory, available in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes, including metal, glass, ceramic, and wood.
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The most common types of candle holders
Candle holders have been around for centuries, with the earliest ones being made of stone or metal. They were often used for religious ceremonies and to light homes and businesses. Over the years, candle holders have evolved in terms of design, materials, and functionality, becoming more decorative and elaborate. Here is a detailed look at some of the most common types of candle holders:
Traditional Candlestick Holders
The traditional candlestick holder is a classic and common type that holds a single candle. It is a versatile option that can be made from various materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, or wood. Traditional candlestick holders come in different shapes and sizes, adding height and dimension to any surface. They are a great way to elevate the look of a table setting or fireplace.
Candelabras
Candelabras are extravagant candle holders that hold multiple candles. They have a tree-like appearance with several arms or branches extending in different directions. Candelabras are often made from materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, or wood. They are known for their elegance and whimsy, making them a striking decorative accent in any space.
Lantern Candle Holders
Lantern candle holders are ideal for creating a rustic and stylish atmosphere, especially in outdoor spaces like decks or patios. They typically feature a classic combination of a glass pane and a metal frame, providing durability and aesthetic appeal. Lanterns have been used for candle holders since their inception, and they are available in various designs and metals, including wrought iron, brass, or nickel, as well as rustic wood styles.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces serve a dual purpose as candle holders and wall decor. They can be used to create a modern or vintage ambiance in any room. Wall sconces were popular in the Middle Ages, often made of silver or brass with reflectors behind the candles. They were suspended by chains, allowing them to be lowered for snuffing.
Dish Candle Holders
Dish candle holders are perfect for creating eye-catching centerpieces. They are often surrounded by other decor elements like plants, books, or beads to make the candle the focal point of the display. Dish candle holders can be made from various materials, including metal, which retains heat and accumulates dripping wax.
Tealight Holders
Tealight holders are designed to display multiple tealight candles at once, offering instant decor upgrades. They are perfect for creating a cosy and elegant atmosphere, and they can be used as single displays or in small sets or long lines of lights.
Candle holders come in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, allowing individuals to choose what suits their budget, décor, and personal preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
The earliest candle holders were made of stone or metal and were used for religious ceremonies. References to candle holders can be found in the Old Testament. For example, Moses was commanded to make a menorah, a candelabrum of hammered gold, for the Tabernacle.
The earliest candle holders were simple in design and made from materials such as stone or metal. They often featured a block of wood with an iron spike on which the candle was impaled. Over time, candle holders became more elaborate and decorative, especially during the Renaissance when artists began to use a variety of materials such as enamel, pottery, amber, and damascened iron.
Candle holders became more popular during the Middle Ages as they were used to light homes and businesses. They became even more widespread in Europe during the 18th century, with many objects being explicitly designed as candle holders. By the Victorian Era, candle holders were commonly made from brass or silver as these metals were more expensive and conveyed wealth and status.
