Boulton & Fothergill, c1772
2002M26.1&2 

During the second half of the eighteenth century ornamental vases were enormously popular. Matthew Boulton was one of the first manufacturers to seize on the commercial opportunities created by the craze for the 'antique taste', or neo-classicism as we now refer to it. Objects like this one were known as candle vases as they could be used to hold a candle or as a vase.

These candle vases are a rare surviving example of Matthew Boulton’s work with his friend and fellow Lunar Society member, James Keir (1735-1820). The glass bodies were supplied by Keir’s glassworks at Stourbridge.

A variety of mounts were used for the mounts of Boulton’s vases including marble, Blue John and glass. Glass, however, was much more vulnerable to damage than the other materials and so was rarely used.

Acquired with the support of the Art Fund, MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Friends of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery and Birmingham City Council.