Masonic candlesticks

The candlesticks (silver; Sheffield plate) were produced by Boulton & Fothergill in 1768. They were commissioned by The Duke of Cumberland for the Royal Lodge the year before as 'Three Great Solomonean Candlesticks'.

The main objective of this treatment was to prepare the candlesticks for an exhibition at Birmigham Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibition (which is still on) focuses on Matthew Boulton's life and work (1728 - 1809), as 2009 marks the bicentenary of Boulton's death. Conservation grade solvents on cotton wool were used to gently remove the silver tarnish and candle wax soiling from the surface.