Among the sales reported on the opening day of Masterpiece London was this set of four silver-gilt candlesticks which were offered by Koopman Rare Art and priced at £350,000.
The candlesticks, dated 1745, were made by Paul Crespin and designed by William Kent (1685-1748). The set is the earliest known of this design and was originally in the collection of the Earl of Lincoln.
Koopman director Lewis Smith said that both artistically and historically the candlesticks are “in a league of their own”. The vetting committee at Masterpiece agreed and awarded them the title of ‘best offering in silver and plate’.
