A SET OF FOUR GEORGE III SILVER CANDLESTICKS

The complex and finely cast design of these candlesticks reflects the growing taste for historisicing styles in the early part of the 19th century, including the rococo style, as discussed in the note for lot 384. Story and Elliott, Paul Storr and William Pitts all manufactured candlesticks and candelabra featuring revived baroque and rococo elements. The 1808 purchase and subsequent resale of antique plate from royal collections by Rundell, Bridge and Rundell and new royal commissions to complement 18th century rococo pieces helped popularize this taste. The Gilbert Collection retains a pair of candelabra of the same design.