A PAIR OF GEORGE IV GILT BRONZE AND BRONZE TWO BRANCH COLZA LAMPS

The model for these colza lamps is derived from Roman antiquity; they reflect the influence of the architect-designer, Charles Heathcote Tatham (d. 1842), who visited Rome to study antiquities at the behest of fellow architect Henry Holland to assist with the decoration of Carlton House for the Prince of Wales, later George IV (d. 1830). Whilst in Rome, Tatham sketched antique chimera copied from originals in the Museum of the Vatican that were subsequently featured in his Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture drawn from originals in Rome and Other Parts of Italy during the years 1794, 1795 and 1796. Tatham’s illustrations were very influential; in 1809, Benjamin Vulliamy & Son, clockmakers to the Crown, created a pair of patinated and gilt bronze candlesticks that is virtually identical to another of Tatham’s antique sketches of chimera from his Etchings (J. Rutherford, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, Leeds, 1992, fig. 91).