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https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/roomscapePair torchiere vintage large wall lights sconces, Neoclassical, in polished brass with acanthus leaf detail, 1950`s ca, French.
These vintage 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: E14 Candle lamp holders with card covers, and two clip-on lampshades. 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 large decorative pair of mid 20th Century French torchiere sconces in the Neoclassical style. The torchiere light sconce originated in late 17th Century France as a "torchère," a term derived from the French word for "torch". Initially, these were grand, freestanding floor stands crafted for the royal court to hold single candles. The acanthus leaf, as in this design, has been used throughout history as an architectural feature. Being perennial acanthus is symbolic of longevity.
The light and airy geometry feels both historic and enduringly modern, making these wall lights well suited either side of a fireplace, to flank a painting or mirror, ideal for a staircase or corridor, and a range of interiors such as Antique, Traditional, Hollywood Regency or Contemporary.
The design is defined by its elongated, torch-like silhouette in solid polished brass.The composition begins with a tall, slender column that rises from a sharp, decorative finial, creating a sense of verticality and poise. At its center, a sculptural collar adorned with stylized acanthus leaf motifs provides a delicate architectural break, reminiscent of traditional Georgian or French Empire detailing. The upper section of the column has vertical fluting. The bobeche drip pan is designed with an intricate, scalloped leaf pattern that spreads outward to catch the eye and provide a base for the bulbous candle sconce with a new lamp holder covered by a new cream card candle tube. This vertical stem is anchored to the wall by a rectangular backplate, whose clean lines balance the ornate column. These backplates serve as the structural base, housing the internal wiring and providing the interface for attaching the fixture to the wall surface. Each backplate has inside a portion with 2 holes that slide onto 2 cylinders attached to a smaller bronze plate that screws to the wall.
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 two shades are included in the price.
Each sconce carries 1 standard small screw light bulb (E14) up to 40 Watts. At present fitted & photographed with new LED 4.5 Watt dimmable Candle Clear shaped lightbulbs (equivalent of 40 Watts), which are included in the price.
These vintage sconces are in very good condition for their age. The original vintage patina has been preserved, adding character & depth. The metal frames are sound with no missing or broken parts, and only tiny superficial marks and minor rubbing in line with age & wear. The 2 lampshades are new and in very good condition.
Additional dimensions:
The total Height with the shades on is: 60 cm.
The frame alone (without the lampshades) is: Height: 51 cm, Width: 10 cm, Depth: 15 cm.
The rectangular brass backplate is: Height: 17.5 cm, Width: 5.4 cm, Depth: 1.5 cm.
The bronze internal plate to screw to the wall is: Height: 7.5 cm, Width: 5 cm
The lampshade alone is: 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 while packing. For safe transport the bases & lampshades would be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. Together these parts would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing nuts, safe for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).
MAIN DELIVERY CHARGES:
Within London UK: Free
UK Mainland: £ Free
European Union: £ 100
United States/Canada: £ 120
Japan: £ 90
Australia: £ 190
Rest of the World please enquire.
TORCHIERE LIGHT HISTORY
The torchiere light sconce originated in late 17th Century France as a "torchère," a term derived from the French word for "torch". Initially, these were grand, freestanding floor stands crafted for the royal court to hold single candles. As lighting needs grew, they evolved into ornate candelabras with multiple lights, often made from luxury materials like gilt bronze or silver. By the 18th and 19th Centuries, the design was adapted into wall mounted sconces, which utilized reflecting backplates to intensify the upward directed light. With the advent of electricity in the early 20th Century, designers incorporated glass or fabric shades to diffuse the glare from bulbs, transforming the classic torch silhouette into a refined architectural fixture.