An Exceptional Pair of Ormolu and Glass Triton Wall Lights by Lerolle of Paris, c.1870

An Exceptional Pair of Ormolu and Glass Triton Wall Lights by Lerolle of Paris, c.1870, these extraordinary wall lights or sconces are conceived in the rococo revival fashion and were made by the celebrated firm of Lerolle Frères in Paris. The pieces incorporate sculptural figures of triton-like caryatids, supporting wonderful cut glass candle shades above their heads. The shades are signed with the firm’s name.

The Firm of Lerolle

Founded by Louis Lerolle (1813-1875), the firm was established as a high quality bronze foundry in the heart of Paris. It is suggested that the firm became known as Lerolle Frères in 1849 after Louis gave control of the company to his two children Édouard-François and Camille. Our research in the newspaper archives proves that this is in fact not the case. An advert placed, in French, in the Morning Post on the 2^nd of August 1848 reads as follows

“BRONZES, PENDULES, CANDELABRES.— Messieurs LEROLLE Freres, Fabricants de Bronzes, Rue Chaussee des Minimes. No. 1, a Paris, Fournisseurs de la Cour de Sardaigne, ont l’honneur d’informer Messieurs les amateurs de beaux bronzes qu’ils viennent d’adresser à Londres un choix de Sours plus riches modeles, destines a Pameublement do grands salons.—Dépôt , 147, Regent-street, au premier”.

This advert shows that the firm was already operating under the new name in 1848. It also offers a fascinating insight in to the trading practices of the firm-clearly they felt that their natural client base in England would be French-speaking, hence the choice to place the advert in their native language. Additionally it reveals that the firm, describing themselves as “fabricants de bronzes” had worked for the Sardinian court. A further advert from 1849 adds the Neapolitan court to this impressive resume as well.

The firm exhibited at many of the world’s fairs and international exhibitions in the mid to late 19^th century, the first being the 1849 Exhibition of Agricultural and Industrial Products in Paris where they were awarded the silver medal. British newspaper coverage of the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 included images of a gothic chandelier exhibited by the firm on that occasion. Operating from their showrooms in Paris as well as premises in Brussels and London (first a depot in Regent Street and later showrooms in Tichborne Street near Tottenham Court Road), Lerolle were renowned for the quality of their product and their expertise was particularly evident when it came to the use of sculptural elements and figures in their designs. Initially working exclusively in metal and producing clock cases, candelabra and wall lights etc., the firm later branched out in to furniture and associated products though this may have been retailed rather than manufactured in house.

The firm’s clientele was highly impressive. Apart from the royal courts previously mentioned, records survive relating to the supply of a set of impressive candelabra to the 7^th Earl Spencer for Spencer House in St James. These exceptional pieces were later sold by Christie’s in the Spencer House sale in 2010 where they achieved an impressive price

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5335279

As these pieces were supplied in 1850, it is likely that Earl Spencer had responded to one of the firm’s adverts in the London newspapers.

The impressive archive of documentation relating to the purchases of Ogden Goelet, the New York society figure and businessman, includes a letter from Lerolle relating to several sets of wall lights and the accompanying photographs sent to allow him to choose from amongst the various designs available. The letter has been transcribed in full below.

From Lerolle Freres to Ogden Goelet, Paris, the 22d of June, 1883

Dear Sir, We have the honor to inform you that we sent you by mail the photographs for which you will further find the specifics and the price of the objects. The dimensions are at the bottom of each photograph. We hope that you will find what you need and we beg you, when they will be no longer useful for you, to return them.

Yours sincerely, Lerolle Freres

List of the photographs

1923 1 pair of sconces with cariatids (sic), male and female, 6 lights, mercury gilt bronze 1100

1923 the same for gas mercury gilt bronze 1300

3327 1 pair of sconces with flying children # 1, five lights, mercury gilt bronze 750

3327 the same for gas, same gilding 1000

2200 1 pair of sconces with big flying children, 8 lights, same gilding 1100

2200 the same for gas, same gilding 1400

2764 1 pair of sconces, arabesque children, 8 lights, same gilding 1500

2764 the same for gas mercury gilt bronze 1800

This fascinating letter makes clear the luxury nature of the Lerolle business, as demonstrated by the high prices asked, and the range of wall lights which were available.

The glass shades on our examples are of truly exquisite workmanship and must have been supplied by one of the leading French glasshouses of the time, possibly Baccarat given their outstanding quality.