ROOMSCAPE
Pair Antique Girandole Wall Lights Sconces By Meret Freres, Gilt Bronze, Rewired
Stock No
11306
2010
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Item Description
Pair Rococo style antique girandole wall lights sconces by Meret Freres, signed, in gilt bronze, twin arm, 1920`s ca, French.
These antique wall lights have been gently cleaned while respecting the age patina. They are newly rewired & earthed, PAT tested by an electrician and ready to install. Each has the following new components: gold tone cable, E14 Candle lamp holders with card covers, and two clip-on lampshades. Lightbulbs included. These lights can be used with a dimmer. It is possible to use these sconces in other countries although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity.
Presented here is a quality decorative pair of girandole sconces in the Rococo style produced by Meret Freres of Paris around the 1920`s. Both sconces are signed, stamped on the back of the mirror handle: "LC 832"; being LC the letters used by Meret Freres & 832 the model registration number.
The acanthus leaf & shells, as per this design, have been used throughout history as an architectural feature, particularly in the Rococo period in France. Rococo takes its name from the French word `rocaille`, which means rock or broken shell, natural motifs that often formed part of the designs. Being perennial acanthus is symbolic of longevity. The organic form & elegant proportions make these wall lights well suited for a range of interiors such as Antique, Traditional, Country, Hollywood Regency or Contemporary.
A girandole is an ornamental branched light fixture or candlestick comprising of several lights, resembling a small chandelier. Girandoles became popular in France & Italy around the 17th Century, mirrors were incorporated to wall sconces to reflect the candle light.
The design of each "girandole" sconce consists of a gilt bronze backplate in the shape of an antique hand mirror. The oval frame to the mirror is profusely decorated with Rococo natural motifs such as flowers, acanthus leaves, and seashells. Sinuous, asymmetrical curves & motifs on each side of the frame create a sense of movement. The casting is super quality and crisp. The mirror silver surface is bevelled and was handmade.
Two elongated arms raise from the middle section curving forward. They have a scrolling pattern and an exuberant tiered acanthus leaf decoration. Both sconces would have been individually cast resulting in quality detail with slight variations between the two.
At the end of each arm there is a leaf bobeche drip pan & leaf bulbous candle sconce for the light bulb. A sign of quality is present on the drip pans, which have the foliate pattern cast on both sides.
Both gilt bronze frames are heavy with a good weight.
Each wall light carries 2 standard small screw light bulbs (E14) up to 40 Watts. At present these lights are fitted & photographed with Candle clear shaped light bulbs of 25 Watts. These are included in the price. It would be possible to use other (E14) Candle light bulbs.
These sconces are finished with quality new clip-on cream silk candle lampshades. The shade is tapered and has wide pleat detailing, complete with a crepe trim top & bottom. Each is lined in the same colour which enhances the glow of light. These four shades are included in the price. It would also be possible to display without the shades for a more traditional look.
To fit these sconces to the wall there is a metal ring fitted on the back of the frame. The backplate of the mirror is in gilt metal, showing again the quality of the pieces.
Both sconces are in very good condition for their age. The warm antique patina has been preserved adding character. The bronze frames are sound with no damage. The gilt finish is in very good condition, with a rich gold tone and tiny marks & minor rubbing in line with age. The mirror surfaces are in very good condition, fully reflective with no scratches or chips. The 4 lampshades are new and in very good condition.
Additional dimensions:
The total dimensions with shades on is: Height: 36 cm, Width: 33 cm, Depth: 16 cm
The dimensions of the frames without the shades is: Height: 31 cm, Width: 27 cm, Depth: 13 cm
The lampshade alone has the following dimensions: Height: 11.5 cm, Diameter at the bottom: 13 cm, Diameter at the top: 8 cm
Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care with packing. For safe transport the shades will be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. These will be stacked together. The frames will be wrapped similarly. Together these pieces would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing suitable for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).
MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:
Within London UK: £ free
UK Mainland: £ 35
European Union: £ 85
United States/Canada: £ 130
Japan: £ 190
Australia: £ 200
Rest of the World please enquire.
MERET FRERES HISTORY
French Company also known as "Meret, Lelong, Fournier and Co.", they starting production in the 19th Century. They were based at 107, rue de Charenton, Paris 12th arrondissement. Became famous manufacturers of quality brass, copper and aluminium home wares & lighting that were sold through the Parisian large department stores. "LC" is one of the marks of this manufacturer which appears in the 1929 directory of the members of Unis France. They continued production until the early 20th Century.
FRENCH ROCOCO STYLE HISTORY
"Rococo," comes from the French word "rocaille" for rock and shell garden ornamentation. First appearing in the decorative arts, the Rococo style emphasized sinuous curves, and patterns based on flowers, vines, and shells. It is an exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colours, sculpted moulding, and trompe-l`oeil frescoes to create surprise and the illusion of motion and drama. It is often described as the final expression of the Baroque movement, beginning in France in the 1730`s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style.
Item Info
Seller
Seller Location
London, London
Item Dimensions
H: 36cm W: 33cm D: 16cm
Period
1930's ca, French
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Location
London, London
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Contact No
+44 (0)795 6645492
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