A pair of George II mahogany torchères, circa 1730

the circular tops and moulded galleries carved in one piece, the outer edge with a carved egg-and-dart moulding, the stems of baluster form with a scrolled tripod base

Probably acquired by Thomas Rider (d.1786) for Boughton Monchelsea Place, Kent,
Thence by descent until sold Boughton Monchelsea Place, Maidstone, Kent, Christie's, London, 21 January 1998, lot 104,
With Christopher Gibbs, London,
Acquired from the above. 

A very finely carved pair, in good condition. The top surface, with some characteristic signs of wear, commensurate with age and use. The turned baluster stem of both with some movement to an old age crack at the top, the legs with old marks, some scratches. One formally with screws attaching the top to the stem. These do not require any attention and are ready to place.
"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."

The present 'gueridon' stands or torchères would have formed part of an early 18th century pier set, accompanied by a table and mirror. Used to supplement the fixed lighting arrangements in large halls the torchère held an important role in the 17th and 18th century interior. The taste for decorative 'candlestands' spread rapidly after the restoration, important sets are included in the inventories of the Royal palces at Hampton Court and Windsor as well as the Duke of Buccleuch's country seat at Boughton. Towards the end of the 17th century a greater variety of patterns were starting to be introduced incorporating complex gilt gesso and elaborately carved tripod bases. The S shaped tripod bases of the present pair clearly relates to the designs of the court architect Daniel Marot (1661 – 1752), harking back to the Franco-Dutch baroque style of the 17th century favoured by William III. Over the course of the 18th century the rococo influence of Europe, appropriated and anglicised by British cabinet makers, combined with the burgeoning demand for mahogany transformed their aesthetic. The refined baluster stem and egg-and-dart carved top on the present lot seem to be progenitors for the nascent Chippendale-led English Rococo.

In 1721 the British government removed the import duties on timber imported from the British Americas allowing for merchants to freely trade exotic timbers with Britain. Cabinet makers were quick to notice the potential for mahogany-made furniture and immediately began to employ it. The fine polished surface and rich colour of the present lot demonstrate the pure beauty of the wood. The complete departure from the ornate decoration of the gessoed torchères of the 1710s is employed to focus the attention solely on the quality of the timber. The present lot would have formed part of a group of the earliest examples of mahogany furniture in England pioneered by the great cabinet makers such as William Hallett (1707 – 1781). The moulded top and baluster stem relate to a ‘candlestand’  dated to 1730 illustrated in Adam Bowett, Early Georgian Furniture 1715 – 1740, Woodbridge, 2009, p.209, pl. 5:15.

Boughton Monchelsea Place, formerly Boughton Court commands one of the finest views in the South of England, looking out over the Weald of Kent. A house has stood on the site since the early 13th century but it was the Rider family who inherited it by marriage in the late 17th century that came to define the house. Three generations of Riders, Thomas Rider (d. 1698) Sir Barnham Rider (d.1727) and Thomas Rider again (d.1786) all MP for Maidstone occupied the house for nearly a century. Following the death of Sir Barnham Rider, his son Thomas is recorded as pulling down the north and west ranges of the house and re-furbishing the interior making the house more liveable for his bachelor lifestyle. It is likely that it was during this sweep of changes the torchères entered the collection.