Chamber candlestick 1801 - 1802

Editor: This is the "Chamber Candlestick," made around 1801-1802 by John Emes. It’s crafted from brass and silver, with some metal components as well, a gleaming sculpture on a diminutive scale! There’s something so intimate and domestic about it...almost romantic. How do you read this object? What comes to mind? Curator: Well, my first thought is that this piece feels wonderfully... tactile, doesn't it? Like a little treasure you'd find tucked away in an attic. Can't you just imagine the flickering candlelight, dancing shadows on the walls as someone used this? Editor: Absolutely! It evokes a very specific sense of history, very unlike today's electric light. Curator: It does! And the Romanticism! Think about it – this was a time when people were really starting to embrace emotion and the individual experience. Something like this becomes more than just a candlestick; it's a statement about savoring the quiet moments, the beauty in the everyday. The way the light must have reflected, all golden and shimmering…do you get a feeling for why the owner cherished this piece? Editor: It makes me think of secret late-night writing sessions, or maybe even reading gothic novels under the covers! There’s a sense of mystery. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder what secrets it could tell, right? The craftsmanship itself adds another layer; Emes clearly paid attention to the details. See how the different elements all come together? The candle snuffer is a really smart touch to enhance safety too! What do you make of it? Editor: I hadn’t thought of the practicality side – the snuffer! That brings another story to mind – putting out the light, the end of the day. Curator: Ah, see! It has multiple stories to share. This object shows both beauty and purpose which make them a fantastic insight into the lives of ordinary people! Editor: I'm starting to think that objects such as this hold much more story than entire books do! It definitely gives you a much greater appreciation for a quiet way of life!