Benjamin Godfrey
( 1741 )
An Exceptionally Rare Pair of Rococo Candelabra
Benjamin Godfrey
( 1741 )
An Exceptionally Rare Pair of Rococo Candelabra
George II
London, 1739
Maker's mark of Benjamin Godfrey
Height: 41.2 cm, 16.2 in.
Weight: 4603gr., 148 oz
Both candelabra richly cast and chased, the domed shaped circular bases of rococo scrolling foliage incorporating three cartouches enclosing a coat of arms and two crests, the stems in the form of kneeling blackamoors, the drip pans each engraved with two crests above esquires' helmets and foliate mantling. The undersides with scratch weights: '40 - 19' and '39 = 9'.
No records exist for the apprenticeship or freedom of Benjamin Godfrey. However, it is almost a certainty that he was under the employment of Abraham Buteux. Godfrey married Buteux's widow, Elizabeth, in 1732 and entered his first marks in the same year. He was recorded at the same address in Norris Street, Haymarket when his subsequent marks were registered in 1739 and 1741. Huguenot influence is evident in his fine plate, but rococo designs can also be found among his works. Elizabeth entered her mark alone, also in 1741, and is described as the goldsmith, silversmith and jeweller to the duke of Cumberland. It is not known if Benjamin worked with her after this date.
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