A pair of George III blue john columns circa 1780

each surmounted by an urn on a moulded white marble base and a hexagonal Ashford marble plinth, the Tuscan column raised on a square Blue John plinth with conforming marbles

Comparative Literature

Trevor D. Ford, Derbyshire Blue John, Derbyshire, 2000, p. 74 illustrates a simillar pair of columns to the present lot.

These exceptional columns are in very good general condition. The veining and colour is extremely beautiful. One column has been broken towards the top and then other has break to the centre but each have been extremely well repaired so that the breaks do not detract. To be recommended
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a full note about Blue john, please refer to lot 187.

The present columns are of neo classical architectural form and conceived to harmonise with interiors such as those designed by Robert Adam in the second half of 18th century, in that style.  A pair of blue john columns similar to the present lot (and other blue john examples) can be seen in the State Drawing Room of one of Robert Adam`s greatest houses, Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, built for Sir Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Baron Scarsdale from 1759 onwards, ( illustrated in Eileen Harris, The Genius of Robert Adam, His Interiors, 2001, pl.27, p.26). 

The columns represent the Tuscan order which is characterised by the plain moulded capital seen on the present lot. A classical order is one of the ancient styles of classical architecture, each distinguished by its proportions and certain characteristic profiles and details and also by the type of column employed. Three ancient orders of architecture, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian originated in Greece. The Romans added the Tuscan order, seen here.

For comparison of architectural blue john objects see a pair of George III blue john obelisks sold Christie`s London, Simon Sainsbury, The Creation of an English Arcadia, 18th June 2008, lot 87, £61,250.