Designer: Richard Meier (born 1934)

Item: Candelabra

Manufactured by: Cleto Munari for Swid Powell

Country of origin: Italy

Year made: Circa 1985

Materials: Silverplate over brass

Dimensions: 11 ¼” x 6 ¼” x 2 ½”

Condition: Very good. This would be graded as excellent, but for the noticeable scratching to the top of the bobeche where it looks like someone foolishly used an abrasive to clean off dripped wax.

References: Tapert, Annette. SWID POWELL: Objects by Architects, Rizzoli, 1990; Swid Powell catalog 1988 inventory insert.

Description: This rare, classic and important design by Meier actually started as a drawing for a mantel clock that was never realized. The candelabra was initially the base for the clock that then got reworked into this finalized classical form for a candelabra. Unlike Meier’s King Richard candlestick, which was widely popular with a very large number produced, these candelabra’s are hard to find because not that many were made. They are quite heavy and very well constructed.

The original design sketch for the mantel clock can be found in the Tapert book and images of this candelabra are found within her book in the photographs of the interior of the Swid Powell shop. Meier’s formal design drawing and a photo of this piece is also featured in Meier’s website. Examples of this important design can be found in the museum collections of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The High Museum of Art, the Yale University Art Gallery and other fine design collections.