Designer: Robert Welch (1929 -2000)

Item: Hobart Candlesticks

Manufactured by: Robert Welch and Wigmore Distributors

Country of origin: England

Year made: Designed 1961 and this set is very early 1960s

Materials: Cast Iron

Dimensions:  Each is 5 ½” x 3 ¾” at the base diameter.  Top is 2 ¼” in diameter.  

Description:  Robert Welch's interest in cast iron dates from 1960.  These candlesticks were initially produced by a manufacturing joint venture between Robert Welch and Wigmore Distributors, but later the manufacture of his cast iron designs was transferred to Victor Castings Ltd. in 1975.  This is an early production set based on the sticker on the bottom.  Welch's first range of products in black iron included pepper and salt mills, a fruit stand, a mortise and pestle, a cake stand, a nut cracker and candlesticks in three sizes.  Although this series was exported to the United States it is very hard to find early examples here, as most are found in the UK.

References: Charlotte and Peter Fiell, Robert Welch, Design: Craft and Industry, London, Laurence King Publishing, 2015, pp.104-105