Vigo County Historical Society

Through many years, candles light up our lives

Candlestick: A device designed to hold a candle.

A candelabrum is a branched candleholder designed for two or more candles. A candleholder fixed to a wall is called a sconce. And one hung from the ceiling is called a chandelier.

Because candles are more difficult to make--as well as more expensive to burn--than oil or tallow lamps lit with a floating wick, the burning of candles always has been considered a luxury. And through history they have commonly been made of costly materials in styles that reflect the prevailing artistic taste.

The earliest candlesticks probably were designed to serve ecclesiastical and ceremonial purposes. The earliest candlesticks were called prickets. These candleholders had thin iron spikes instead of sockets to hold the candles. There were made of iron or brass and usually had figures of beasts or dragons on their bases.

Sixteenth century candlesticks in common use among the rich were squat, bell-like shapes made of brass, silver and pottery.

Seventeenth century candleholders took on more of an architectural character. They were built up of a single fluted column or a group of clustered columns and often had a wide platform base to catch melting wax. Later, candlesticks with baluster stems were made of cast brass, popular in the 1700s and often revived.

Down through the centuries, candlesticks have taken on various designs such as rosettes, husks and swags. Late 19th century saw twisted vine-like stems of the art-nouveau period.

The 20th century saw a revival of all past styles as well as new designs in a wide range of materials from terra cotta to plastic.

Both single candlesticks and candelabra have had special furniture developed to hold them. Torcheres or candlesticks were used during the 17th and 18th centuries to hold candlesticks and candelabra. They frequently were made of wood and usually were at least 5 feet tall.

Candlestands were made in matched sets of two or more placed where there might not be furniture to support the candlesticks. They also made it possible to have more even light in the room.

Because light from a candle is slight, reflectors of various kinds long have been used to multiply the available light.

During the "Renaissance," candles were set at the ends of arms and hung from wall sconces made of highly polished silver or brass. Later, reflecting incorporated mirrors, which might be faceted to give shimmering effect. Rock crystal or cut glass prisms hanging from candelabra give the same effect.