A Pair of English Oak Barley Twist Candlesticks

Some pieces just know how to hold a room. This pair of English oak candlesticks has been doing exactly that for about a hundred years.

Made in England in the 1920s, they carry the classic barley twist: a spiral stem named after the twisted barley sugar sticks of old sweet shops. The look goes back to 17th century England and came roaring back between the wars, when every proper home had a bit of dark oak and a lot of twist. Each stem rises from a generous dish shaped base and ends in a turned candle cup with its original metal drip pan, there to catch the wax and keep the wood looking good.

The oak has turned a deep, warm brown over the decades, with the grain still showing through on the bases. A few honest marks here and there tell you these have actually been used and loved. We think that’s the best part.

Put them on the dining table with long, slim tapers for an instant candlelit dinner, or line them up on a mantelpiece next to a stack of books and a vintage mirror. In a modern, pared back interior they add instant warmth and character. 

The details

• Solid English oak with original metal drip pans
• Barley twist stems on dish shaped bases
• England, circa 1920 to 1935
• Height approx. 30 cm (without candle)
• Fits standard dinner candles
• Good vintage condition with a lovely aged patina and light signs of use
• Candles not included