Pair of Porter Blanchard Sterling Silver Art Deco/ Mid-Century Modern Candelabra, Burbank, CA, c. 1950

Visually stunning and beautifully made, these candelabra are exceptional examples of American Art Deco/ Modernist design. Made of heavy gauge silver, the strong design consists of a bold, rectangular column attached to a round, domed base. Outstretched angular flat branches have up-turned ends and central risers with attached socles.

Porter Blanchard learned his trade from his father, George Porter Blanchard (who worked for Arthur Stone from 1906-09) in Gardner, Mass. He was a Member of the Society of Arts & Crafts, Boston, where he was a member Craftsman 1913-16, Master Craftsman from 1917, (1), and awarded their highest honor, the designation of "Medalist" in 1944. (2)

In 1923, Porter Blanchard moved to Burbank, California, and was joined in 1925 by his brother and father. He became one of Southern California's leading silversmiths and the "Silversmith to the Stars." One of his best clients was the reclusive Joan Crawford, whom he never met. She always ordered by phone. (3)

These rare sterling silver candelabra are marked underneath 'PORTER BLANCHARD/ STERLING' along with his trademark. They measure 14.5 inches tall by 14.5 inches wide, weigh an impressive 55.40 troy ounces, and are in excellent antique condition.

Endnotes:

1. Karen Ulehla, The Society of Arts & Crafts, Boston Exhibition Record, 1897-1927, (Boston: Boston Public Library, 1981), p. 31
2. Leslie Greene Bowman, "Arts and Crafts Silversmiths: Friedell and Blanchard in Southern California" in Silver in the Golden State, (Oakland: The History Department of the Oakland Museum, 1986), p. 48.
3. Bowman, p. 55.