A pair of Victorian Ashford black 'marble' candlesticks, Derbyshire, circa 1850
REF: 4127
Each having a campana-shaped candle socket, short stem and spreading circular base inlaid, in the pietra dura manner, with white flowers and foliage, (2)
These candlesticks are made from a dark limestone, naturally impregnated with bitumen, quarried near Ashford-in-the-Water. Once polished the fine-grained sedimentary rock takes on a shiny black appearance. Reputedly, its first decorative use was commissioned by the Countess of Shrewsbury, 'Bess of Hardwick' (1521-1608), circa 1595, for a fine fire surround in the High Great Chamber, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
- Height 11.8 cm / 4 "
- Diameter 10.7 cm / 4 "
Category
These candlesticks are made from a dark limestone, naturally impregnated with bitumen, quarried near Ashford-in-the-Water. Once polished the fine-grained sedimentary rock takes on a shiny black appearance. Reputedly, its first decorative use was commissioned by the Countess of Shrewsbury, 'Bess of Hardwick' (1521-1608), circa 1595, for a fine fire surround in the High Great Chamber, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire){kind=link}