A rare and important set of 4 arts and crafts wall lights attributed design of Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, manufactured by W.Bainbridge Reynolds Ltd or Thomas Elesley Ltd  and probably retailed at Goodyers of Regent Street. The metalwork with a hammered bronzed-copper patina and pewter heart-shaped motifs, each with the original rare and unusual clear glass lampshade. England c.1900

• Our research shows that Voysey had strong connections with arts and crafts manufacturers W.Bainbridge Reynolds, Thomas Elesley Ltd & Retailer Goodyers of Regent Street.
• While our provenance has strong connection to Voysey, W. Bainbridge Reynolds and Goodyers (in particular) as the lights are unsigned it is impossible to be certain that Voysey designed the lights and to be clear on who manufactured them.
• What is certain is that these lights were sold by Goodyers an Aesthetic gallery of Arts & Crafts interiors (see provenance photo).
• It is therefore most probable that the lights were produced by W.Bainbridge Reynolds or Thomas Elesley who were known to be maufacturing lights to Voysey designs.
• What remain unclear is the business relationship between all 3. Did Voysey commission the maufacturers to produce his designs and then sell via Goodyers under his name? Did the maufacturers buy Voysey’s designs and sell via Goodyer’s under their name? Did Goodyer’s purchase from Voysey or the manufacturers and sell under their name? The mystery continues.
• What is for certain is that whoever designed, manufactured or sold these wall lights they remain important examples of the Arts & Crafts genre.

Provenance

See picture of C.F.A Voysey metal work designs in matching style and taste to wall lights.

Examples of these lights can be seen in a photograph of a Music Room designed and carried out by Goodyers of Regent Street.

See p.474 of Fiell C. and P. “1900’s and 1910’s decorative Art”, Taschen, for an electric pendant designed by Voysey, manufactured by W.Bainbridge Reynolds Ltd. Illustrating an identical glass lampshade.

Some chips to finial areas of the lampshades, hidden when in situ.

Ht.39cm/15.5in, Dpth.33/13, W (of conical gallery) 22.5/9