Don’t curse the darkness!

Single subject theme - “Old” - April #10

“It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Often and probably incorrectly attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt.

This is a pair of filthy, dirty and quite old silver candlesticks with removable sconces and has corinthian columns on square bases. They have an English hallmark for Sheffield, 1891, and a makers' mark for Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd.

They were last professionally cleaned in 1999. They are very rarely used but they get dirty very quickly. I am not a silver cleaner so I figure I’d best leave it! And they now belong to my youngest daughter so cleaning them is her responsibility!!

They were made by Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd. which was founded in 1833. The firm went into liquidation in the 1930s.

If cleaned they should look like this!!!
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1680194417/victorian-silver-candlesticks-english

[winghong_ho]

Nice candle sticks. Beautiful shot.

[Skip Tribby - ​🖖]

Great subject for the theme.

IMHO, I like them better tarnished. Well at least like they look in your photo. Normally sterling looks terrible when tarnished. No so here.

Let's give credit where credit is due. William Lonsdale Watkins is believed to have originated this saying.

[Diana]

wow, that is so amazing to have this in your family! I must say that I prefer them the way they are and would not dream of cleaning them.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Lovely shot.

[Merrelyn]

What a treasure to have.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Lovely capture !

[Lin]

They are beautiful just the way they are - it adds to the vintage look.

[Joan Robillard]

Lovely

[Beverley]

There’s something special about vintage candlesticks silver or brass
These are really beautiful…

[Mags]

Beautiful capture! I like those candle holders.

[Maxine Lathbury]

Love this

[Bill Davidson]

A beautiful, meditative shot.

[Kathy]

These are such interesting shapes. Lovely warm shape.

[Agnes]

So admospheric

[carol white]

A lovely capture

[Olwynne]

Beautiful

[KoalaGardens🐨]

I love old candlestick holders

[Christine Sztukowski]

Beautiful capture

[Rob Z]

So well shown

[Barb]

Great still life!

[Islandgirl]

They look lovely!

[John Falconer]

@skipt07
Thanks. I didn’t know who first made the darkness quote. There is even doubt as to whether Roosevelt actually ever used the phrase.

[John Falconer]

@wh2021 @ludwigsdiana @mittens @merrelyn @beryl @linnypinny @joansmor @beverley365 @marlboromaam @365projectmaxine @billdavidson @randystreat @agnesvanderlindeicloudcom @carolmw @ollyfran @koalagardens @365projectorgchristine @robz
Thanks for commenting. I prefer them cleaned up but they look really great like this.

[Skip Tribby - ​🖖]

@johnfalconer - It's such a beautiful quote that it is attributed to about every famous person.

[Diane]

The candlesticks are beautiful--but I'm with you that polishing silver is tedious. Love your photo and quote.

[Walks @ 7]

Beautiful!!!!

[Rick]

Great capture.

[Kathy A]

Wow, they do look old

[haskar]

Beautiful capture and lovely atmosphere.

[John Falconer]

@eudora @joysabin @rickster549 @kjarn @haskar
Thanks. They are beautiful candles. I got them about 35 years ago. I think.

[Lou Ann]

Honestly they are best left alone!

[John Falconer]

@louannwarren
Thanks Lou Ann. There seems to be a mixed opinion about where to go from here??? 😀😀😀

[Cordiander]

Beautiful candle sticks.

[Zilli]

Great perception of the theme. I will remember the saying during dark times.

[Boxplayer]

Rather beautiful

[bkb in the city]

Beautiful

[John Falconer]

@bkbinthecity @boxplayer @zilli @cordulaamann
Thanks for commenting.