19th Century Ebonised Torchère

This is an interesting gilt metal and ebonised torchère or stand in the manner of Thomas Hope, English c.1910. The torchère of triangular form but with a circular top, mounted throughout with gilt metal including the finely cast feet, the lion mask handles and the bands of guilloché. Originally designed to support oil lamps or candelabra, this useful model of stand was designed by Thomas Hope and illustrated in plate Xxvi of his Household Furniture and Interior Decoration published in 1807. Whilst still very useful as a stand for a lamp, today such pieces can also be used to display vases or bronzes or vases of flowers/jardinieres. The black and gilt decoration is very striking and typical of Hope's aesthetic and this piece is very faithful to the original design. The quality of the mounts suggests that this was probably made by one of the firms of antique dealers who also produced fine reproductions during this period such as Gill and Reigate or Lenygon and Morant. An extremely elegant and useful piece of furniture.