A George II Cut Glass Rococo Chandelier Attributed To Thomas Betts

A George II Cut Glass Rococo Chandelier Attributed To Thomas Betts.

The George II twelve light chandelier is suspended from a trefoil shackle, with a blown and cut stem, of double sphere form, decorated with shallow relief diamonds and flat cutting with a double series of vandyke canopies hung with kite shaped pendants. The gilt lined double ogee container issuing twelve notch cut scroll arms arranged on two tiers, mounted with tapering spires and concave edge drip pans hung with pear shaped pendants. The lower canopy and arms further suspending large kite shaped pendants, with the chandelier terminating with a elongated multi faceted finial.

This remarkable chandelier is a wonderful example from the rococo period, with very few chandeliers having survived of this form other than those in stately homes or museums. The closest example to this chandelier can be found at the Victoria & Albert museum. Although the chandelier at the museum has been reduced in size, it shares many of the same elements in design and components: The double sphere stem, double canopies, container shape, arms mounted with spires and the multitude of faceted pendants. Its safe to presume that they were made by the same manufacturer.

The chandelier at the museum has been constructed in many different forms over the years. The image that best shows the correct assembly is illustrated in Martin Mortimer's book 'The English Glass Chandelier' plate 26.

Thomas Betts was first referred to in 1738 in a advertisement as 'Mr Betts a glass polisher in Bloomsbury'. He had established premises by 1741 at Cockspur Street, to include a workshop at his showroom. Over the next decade the demand for his glass grew and his workshops took much larger premises in Lewisham, where it was powered by the Ravensbourne. Betts was documented as being one of Whitefriars largest customers of glass and one of the most prestigious manufactures of glass in London until his death in 1765.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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