Rare Cast Iron Candlestick, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland. Circa 1910.

An incredibly rare and innovative candlestick by a pioneering artist and designer that requires little to no introduction - Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Executed in the so-called Glasgow style, formed of a solid base and lightweight stem that has been intricately cast in iron in such a way that the viewer can see straight through the floral motifs and geometric openings from all angles. When considering that this was patented and produced in 1910, this becomes all the more impressive. 

Filed under the patent 5457 (which is proudly cast into the piece to the front and underside), yet I have struggled to find detailed record of this. However, there has existed a Mackintosh design under the same patent number with an almost identical form, instead having an integral mount to the top half to hang Mackintosh designed fire tools (tongs and a poker). My best assumption would be that this candlestick would have been in the same range but the removable stem allowed for a modular approach to the design, so that the same base and size could be offered but alternative products could be made accessible if so desired. If I'm right, this only goes to reiterate just how ahead of his time Charles Rennie Mackintosh was. 

A key figure of the late 19th century Scottish design movement, otherwise known as Glasgow style, Mackintosh along with a group of similarly gifted artists would characterise Scotland's very own Art Nouveau movement. They would produce distinctive work that effortlessly balanced strong taut verticals with sinuous curves, Celtic knots and Glasgow cabbage roses with hearts - stylised forms based on nature yet allowing the geometric to share the same space. Although subtler tones of green, purple and pink were preferred, there was always fond consideration of contrasting blacks and whites to, again, balance this out. Clearly, this candlestick is a perfect physical manifestation of this approach.

Specifications:

Marked 'Patent No. 5457-1910'

In superb condition, besides light wear to the surface around the candle holder opening.

Height: 31.5cm / Width: 10cm / Depth: 10cm