Jessie Preston

Jessie Preston, a contemporary of Robert Jarvie, was a well-known metalsmith and artist working in Chicago.  Preston was born in Oak Park and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she exhibited her work between 1902-1911.  Preston operated a studio in Chicago's Fine Arts Building from 1900-1918.  Although Jarvie's studio was located in this same building between 1905-1908, the two artists never formally worked together.  Preston's repertoire is comparatively far more limited than Jarvie's, and surviving examples of her metalwork are exceedingly rare.  Although best known for her unique candlestick designs, Preston's elaborate floriform candelabra represent her most accomplished masterworks in the medium.  Their sinuous, graceful lines clearly display Preston's strong connection to the Art Nouveau style.  The candelabrum presently offered represents the only known example executed by Preston in this impressive large size.  Three smaller-scaled examples of the design are currently known.