John Schofield
A Pair of Late 18th Century Neo-Classical Candlesticks
John Schofield
A Pair of Late 18th Century Neo-Classical Candlesticks
George III London, 1791
Maker’s mark of John Schofield
Height: 29cm, 11.4 in
Weight: 1,357.5 g, 43 oz 12dwt
The candlesticks resting on round pedestal bases decorated with acanthus leaves and a band of bead. The half-fluted baluster stems with matching beaded bans and terminating with a beaded décor on the capitals.
Although widely known as Schofield, both the clerk's entry and signature of this maker are as above. No record of apprenticeship or freedom, which for a maker who occupied such a prominent position in the plateworking of the late part of the century is tantalizing. First mark entered as plateworker, in partnership with Robert Jones, 10 February 1776. Address: 40 Bartholomew Close. Second mark alone, 13 January 1778. Address: 29 Bell Yard, Temple Bar. Third mark, 1st October 1787. Heal records his always as Schofield, with all the above addresses and dates, and with 1796 as later date for Bell Yard. He also records Robert and John Scofield, 1772-6, for which see under Schofield (above).
In his candlesticks and candelabra Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Scofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr. No one could mount glass better, as is shown by his cruet in the Rotch Collection (Victoria and Albert Museum). It seems likely that he worked for Jeffreys, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have had considerable commissions for Carlton House.
You May Also Like
A Fine Ascos Jug
William Elliott
A Monumental Victorian Trophy
The Earl of Caledon's Wine Coolers
Paul Storr
A Superb George III Soup Tureen, Cover and Stand
Paul Storr