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The candleblock was used by lacemakers to maximise the light from candles, which were expensive. It consists of a candle socket, into which a candle was placed, and four holders, into which four glass flasks, called ‘flashes’, filled with water were inserted. The single candle would then send four circles of light through the flashes onto the lacemaking pillows arranged around the candleblock. Nothing is known of the origins of this block.

1 candleblock: wood; glass

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The lacemaker's candleblock was a device for making candles, which were expensive, give as much light as possible. Four glass flasks, called FLASHES, were filled with water and inserted in the wooden holders. The candle height was adjusted by the moveable candle socket so that the single illumination would send through the flashes four circles of light concentrated on the lacemaker's pillows which were arranged around the block. // On the wooden base there are two oval marks. These were made by the DICKEY POTS, earthenware pots filled with hot ashes which were used for keeping the worker's feet warm. // This candleblock stands 38 inches from the ground, and measures 12.5 by 9.75 across the base.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Small articles on the Wood Table // 117. "Candleblock or Lacemakers Light." // This shows a wonderful device for giving lacemakers light for their difficult work in the days when a candle was the only means of giving light. The glass globes of the candle block arefilled [sic] with water and thus become reflectors caplable [sic] of furnishing a light for 8 people in an otherwise unlighted room. I once tried it in a large hall where 8 people sitting in the rays cast by the globes could read with ease. On the heavy wooden base one can see two elliptical marks. Thesewere [sic] made by the "dickey pots", oval little earthenware pots filled with hot ashes by which the workers were able to keep their feet warm. The rule for lighting candles is given in this saying, // At Saint Matthi put candles by, // At Saint Mattu get candles new.'

Glass, Wood

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)