An Exceptional Pair of William IV Swan Candlesticks
Silver & parcel-gilt
London, 1830
Maker's mark of John Brodge
Height: 15.5cm, 6.1in
Weight: 1,800g, 60oz 8dwt
Both stamped with the royal retailers mark of 'Rundell Bridge & Rundell Aurifices Regis Lononi'
The cast shaped-triangular bases with shell corners and with three applied swans. With central foliage stems, berried and foliage capitals and detachable petal sconces.
Artist Biography:
John Bridge was introduced to the notice of King George III through his cousin. As a local man with an understanding of agricultural, the cousin was called upon to entertain the King while His Majesty was recuperating at Weymouth after his first serious illness in 1788-1789. The farmer mentioned his cousin who was a partner in a London firm of goldsmiths. Upon George III's return to London in 1789, he sent for John Bridge whose demeanor and work so pleased the whole Royal Family that the new firm of Rundell and Bridge was appointed as 'Jewelers and Goldsmiths to the King'. John Bridge took every opportunity to cultivate the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York's interest in plate. The two brothers and other members of the royal family also granted the firm royal warrants.