A few years ago, Ben found a candlestick in a barn that was both entirely familiar and strangely fantastical. We knew immediately that it wouldn't be for sale.
The candle holder, or candlestick, was metal, with a wonderfully round handle, chippy blue paint, and remnants of wax. It was likely made before 1950, and didn't have signs of having been mass produced. We knew it was unlikely we'd happen across one just like it ever again.
We jokingly refer to pieces like this one as having "entered our design library" or becoming part of the "permanent collection." They become reference, residing first in our heads and then, if the right moment strikes, a foundation upon which we can build a new light or object.
Then, the moment struck. As we were designing the Classic Vases with Aleah, we decided to expand the tabletop world on which the vases would reside. So much of Quittner, for us, is building the world we want to live in, from lighting to linens, and we had yet to create a candlestick. Here was our chance.
Over the Christmas 2024 season, we prototyped and iterated. When we brought our prototypes to holiday markets, they kept selling out. Nearly as soon as a piece was out of the kiln, it was sold.
Where we ended up, design-wise, is quite true to the original. A simple form, elevated through clean lines. We've developed two metallic glazes, one gun metal and another bronze, that often surprise clients when they pick them up, expecting a metal candlestick. We also gave them a name, the Night Cap Candlestick, as a reference to the nostalgic images of a person in a night robe and cap carrying a candlestick much like this one to welcome a visitor or sneak a snack.
Each Night Cap Candlestick is hand-thrown, so each is unique. They are sold in a way that represents this. Offered online as they become available, and listed individually so that you can find your perfect match.
