London – Christie’s presents Let There Be Light (24 June – 14 July), an online themed sale dedicated to the history of lighting, demonstrating the breadth, richness and variety of styles through outstanding examples of lighting. These include candlesticks, candelabra, chandeliers, wall-lights, table and standing lamps, from the 18^th to the 21^st Century. The sale comprises 134 lots and showcases how precious and finely crafted examples of lighting from the 18^th and 19^th Century, can sit alongside modern light fixtures in today’s interiors. Via a juxtaposition of lighting styles comes the creation of interiors schemes combining layers of history with modernity, which in turn showcase the character and taste of the modern day collector.

Candlesticks and candelabra, both functional and decorative, were traditionally positioned throughout the house, especially before the invention of electricity. Lot 4, A pair of Louis XV Ormolu Candlesticks, mid-18^th Century, are typical of the period with scrolling and swirls in an anti-classical style, (estimate £2,000-3,000). Candlesticks were variably decorated depending on where they were placed: in important rooms the most precious examples were often gilt and decorated with crystal or cut-glass; in dining rooms, silver examples appear, often to match the cutlery. Lot 47, The Painted Hall Candelabra, The Old Royal Navy College, Greenwich. A Pair of George VI Silver, Five-Light Candelabra, London, 1938 (estimate £10,000-15,000). Lot 72, A Pair of Louis Philippe Ormolu-Six-Light Candelabra, circa 1840, (estimate £18,000-25,000).

Amjad Rauf, Head of Sale, International Head of Masterpiece and Private Sales comments, “Influential interior decorators and designers focus on lighting as a priority from the beginning of a project to fruition: it is at the heart of the planning process not only of the architectural shell, but the fully developed interior design scheme. Lighting significantly influences the overall atmosphere of a home, as well as the presence and visibility of all interiors components and works of art”.

Amjad continues, “We are also delighted to be working with Martin Brudnizki as a Tastemaker on this sale. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is an internationally acclaimed interior architecture and design studio based in London and New York. MBDS expertise in lighting residential properties globally is recognised as second to none with a large team dedicated solely to the art of lighting”.

The monumental candelabra, crystal and bronze chandeliers in the Galerie des Glaces in Versailles are still the main focal point in one of the most recognisable rooms in the world. Commonly seen in Neo-Classical palaces and the courts of Europe, Lot 121, a North German Ormolu and Cut-Glass, Twelve-Light Chandelier in the Manner of Werner & Mieth, Berlin, early 19^th Century, (estimate £18,000-25,000). Lot 120, a Monumental North European Ormolu Twelve-Light Chandelier in the manner of Karl Rossi, St. Petersburg, 20^th Century, (estimate £18,000-25,000).

The invention of electricity in the late 19^th Century allowed for new methods of lighting. Table lamps were developed in a variety of shapes and styles, occasionally incorporating an earlier artefact such as a vase or column. Lot 1, A Pair of Moulded Cobalt-Blue Glass Lamps, Modern, (estimate £2,000-3,000). Lot 45, a Pair of George III Ormolu-Mounted Blue-John Cassolettes by Matthew Boulton, circa 1765-70, (estimate £12,000-18,000). Let There Be Light also includes an eclectic variety of modern table lamps including examples in brass, painted wood and plaster, porcelain and glass. The recurrent shapes – ovoid, baluster, vase and column - have classical connotations but often with a modern twist giving them a fresh, contemporary feel. Lot 32, a Pair of Silvered and Gilt-Metal ‘Sputnik’ lamps, second half 20^th Century, (estimate £1,500-2,500). Let There Be Light includes contemporary lots consigned by some of the most prominent and renowned British decorators and designers including Vaughan, Robert Kime, Jamb, Soane and Colefax & Fowler.

Each of these designers are generously donating a significant percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the following lots 22–31, 52-62, 64, 94–98 and 100 to NHS Charities Together.  

To view the sale please click here

Notes to Editors:
NHS Charity Donations from Let There Be Light
A percentage of proceeds from the sale of a selected number of lots within Let There Be Light are being donated to charity. Designers, Vaughan, Colefax & Fowler, Soane, Robert Kime and Jamb are generously donating from the sale of lots 22–31, 52-62, 64, 94–98 and 100
For further information on the designated charity please click on the following link nhscharitiestogether.co.uk
NHS Charities Together (registered charity no. 1186569).

About Martin Brudnizki mbds.com
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio was founded by Martin Brudnizki in 2000, the team is comprised of over 79 interiors designers, architects, lighting designers, product designers and art consultants and has experience in creating hotels, restaurants, bars and private members’ clubs alongside residential developments and helping a select number of people design their dream homes.