Visiting TMA over the holidays? While some galleries have temporarily closed as part of our ongoing transformation, there are still lots of amazing works of art to enjoy! 

With the arrival of the winter solstice, we could all use a little more light. Imagine flickering candlelight reflecting and refracting off the facets of this dazzling pair of cut-glass candelabra as they light up a table set for a sumptuous meal.

With the growth of the middle class in the eighteenth century, there was an increasing demand for elegant consumer goods. English glassmakers responded with a wide assortment of high-quality products for the table that demonstrated the skill of both glass decorators and glassblowers. A century earlier, English glassworkers had developed lead glass, a formula that was easier to cut and highly light refractive, which made it perfect for creating decorative candleholders and chandeliers.

William Parker emerged around 1772 as the principal maker of chandeliers and candelabra in London and remained so for at least fifty years. He furnished lights for grand public buildings and the private homes of the wealthy, including the Prince of Wales.

Attributed to William Parker (British), designer, Pair of Table Candelabra. Cut glass and gilt-bronze mounts, about 1785. Height of each: 24 5/8 in. (62.5 cm). Gift of Jefferson D. Robinson in memory of his wife, Mary Elizabeth, by exchange, 2009.2 and 2009.3.

Image Description: A pair of cut-glass candelabra, each with a central, ornate glass stem that stands on a circular, tiered base. The stems are topped by urn-shaped finials above a flower-like dome hung with faceted, tear-shaped pendants and delicate chain-like swags of linked glass pendants that attach to two upper arms topped by pointed finials. Below these are two S-curved arms with cups for holding candles, from which dangle more tear-shaped pendants. The surface of the glass is intricately cut overall, showcasing reflective facets and gilt-bronze mounts.