Fiat lux: five highlights from Sworders’ lighting collection sale
14 April 2022 To a generation of interior decorators, Pimlico Road dealer Christopher Butterworth scarcely requires an introduction.
This set of Elkington & Co candlesticks are among the highlight at Sworders’ auction Let There be Light.
David Mlinaric describes his shop on the Chelsea thoroughfare as “a fascinating Aladdin’s cave of lights and lamps” where “everything is interesting and beautiful”. Beginning with a stand at Antiquarius on the Kings Road in his 20s, Butterworth moved to Pimlico Road some 25 years ago – his ‘USP’ becoming antique lighting of all periods.
Sworders’ sale on April 21 titled Let There be Light – The Christopher Butterworth Collection brings together 250 lots ranging in price from £250 to £15,000.
It includes both typical stock items and a significant selection of items from Christopher’s own collection. Here we look at some of the “highlights” to be found in the sale.
Neoclassical candelabrum
Estimated at £8000-12,000, this ormolu vase candelabrum was designed by architect James ‘Athenian’ Stuart and made by Diederich Andersen. At c.1760 it represents the earliest English neoclassical metalwork – other examples in the collections of Her Majesty the Queen, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Spencer House. View the catalogue entry for this lot here.
From the apothecary
Lamps can often be ‘upcycled’ from other objects. Such is the case here. Two of 17th century style Sicilian maiolica apothecary vases have been converted into table lamps. The pair of 50cm high lamps are offered with an estimate of £800-1200. View the catalogue entry here.
From Birmingham
A set of four candlesticks by Elkington & Co are estimated at £500-1000. The pieces date to 1862 and are of George II silver form, each with a finish imitating silver gilt, a detachable sconce and a weighted base. View the catalogue entry here.
Italian bronze
Among a selection of lanterns is this Italian example. Made in bronze during the early 20th century it sports a ball finial supported in six scroll supports over six tapered glazed panels. It also has six stylised horns. It is offered with an estimate of £2000-3000. View the catalogue entry here.
Noel Coward’s timepiece
There is plenty else on offer beyond lighting. Among the standout lots is a wall-mounted sunburst perpetual dial timepiece which once took pride of place in the large drawing room of Noel Coward’s country retreat, Goldenhurst Farm in Aldington, Kent. The 19th century Belgian timepiece features a convex enamel dial with a moonphase aperture over weekday and calendar dials, within a compartmental months of the year border. That in turn is within a carved softwood and gilt sunburst border. It has an estimate of £3000-5000. View the catalogue entry here.
