A rare table candelabra by the Bauhaus trained designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld for WMF, ca. 1953
This remarkable piece was designed by the Bauhaus-trained industrial designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld, in 1953.
It is a classic example of his work and its adherence to the Bauhaus tradition of clarity in design driven by function.
You could argue that his lifework is a perfect expression of what fellow Bauhaus alumni Max Bill would later term ‘Die gute Form’ (good form); the notion that simple, beautifully-designed everyday objects have the potential to improve the living conditions of the masses.
Wagenfeld had enrolled at the Weimar Bauhaus in 1923 and studied in the metalwork department under Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and alongside Marianne Brandt, Hans Przyrembel and Hin Bredendieck.
The candelabra is executed in silver-plated brass and has three symmetrical tubular metal outer arms that curve inwards to support a fourth, central arm. Each of the four arms terminate with a trumpet shaped candle holder. The candelabra is fully signed with the WMF factory mark on the underside.
It measures approximately 285 mm in height.
The candelabra is in very good used condition. There are some surface traces of wear, including some areas of rubbing to the silver-plating, but no deep scratches, dents, bends, restorations or other significant faults.
As you can see, it displays beautifully and would make a stunning table decoration for any home, particularly alongside other high quality pieces from the mid-century period.
References:
1. Wilhelm Wagenfeld 1900-1990, Beate Manske, Hatje Cantz, Ostfildern-Ruit, Germany (2000), p 126
2. Höhepunkte der Design Geschichte II (Highlights of Design History II), Quittenbaum Auction House, Munich, Germany, November 2005, Lot 66.
3. Auktionhaus Siebers Stuttgart, Wilhelm Wagenfeld: The Dr Carlo Burschel Collection, p 78.
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