A SET OF FOUR GEORGE III CUT-GLASS AND ORMOLU THREE-BRANCH WALL LIGHTS

These rare wall lights are designed in the late 18th century 'Roman' fashion with crystal fountains evoking the poetic concept of triumphal festivities attended by Venus and the sun-deity Apollo. Recalling the 'fountain' symbol of Venus as Nature deity, tiers of faceted drops spill from golden reeds that wreath central jets, which are pine-tipped as Bacchic thyrsae. This distinctive arm pattern with short inner curve and extended outer curve has been identified as unique to the oeuvre of Messrs. Parker and Perry.

Founded by William Parker (d.1784) in Fleet Street, Parker and Perry enjoyed the patronage of King and Court, ranging from George, Prince of Wales to William Beckford. After William Parker's death the firm continued under his son Samuel, who in 1803 formed a partnership with William Perry. The firm supplied chandeliers for Carlton House from 1808, and later for the Royal Pavilion at Brighton.

A very similar pair of wall lights is in the Winterthur Museum, Delaware, illustrated in M. Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, Woodbridge, 2000, p.18, color pl.9. It was suggested that due to the presence of glass shades they were exported to India.