“Bathe the world in light!” – Wordsworth, 1770-1850
Outdoors, then as now, lights meant safe passage on town streets. Think of it—all Williamsburg’s night activities, from legislative sessions to the latest plays, were lit by candles. Imagine the flattering light, the flicker and glow, adding an extra air of drama and intimacy to each event, just as they do today.
To a Virginian in the 1700s, a party lit with seven candles would be considered a lavish display.
Candles were an expensive commodity, in both materials and labor: made of wax or spermaceti, dipped over and over for hours, they were hoarded by most, used strictly on an as-needed basis. (Oil lamps became a possibility late in the century, but only the wealthy could afford the costly whale oil that fueled them.) Certainly grand houses like the Governor’s Palace had rooms with rows of sconces and multibranched hanging chandeliers, so a formal occasion was literally dazzling.
But candlesticks, easily carried to a dark corner, were much more common. Still, their design reflected fashion of the day. A chamberstick might be made in flowered china or glass. To increase the refraction of light, candlesticks and sconces often were built with a mirrored backing. Others used a glass globe that protected the flame and increased its power, or dangling glass lusters that shimmered and cast rainbows around the room.
As with many 18th-century household items—things considered commonplace today—a great deal of thought and passion went into creating beautiful lights. Most people had only a few prized possessions to flaunt their taste and style. We’ve taken the very best of these designs and re-created them for today’s home. WILLIAMSBURG offers a dazzling array of high-quality choices, ranging from simply elegant to beautifully ornate.
Portions of this article are taken from WILLIAMSBURG Decorating With Style.