John Norelius Trio of Dirigold Art Nouveau Candelabras for AB Alco, Sweden 1920s (sold)











John Norelius Trio of Dirigold Art Nouveau Candelabras for AB Alco, Sweden 1920s (sold)
The artists of Nordic Art Nouveau took inspiration from organic and natural forms, resulting in elegant designs with sinuous curves and lines. As this clever trio of candelabras clearly demonstrates, they also injected the style with their traditional design ideals such as functionality and an uncluttered look.
The model the trio consists of has a lot more to offer than it would seem at first glance with unique and clever solutions. Firstly, the mysterious material itself, dirigold. Dirigold was invented by two Swedish engineers, C. Molin and C. A. von Malmborg, and the alloy would consist of 90% copper and 10% aluminium. The two engineers were in charge of the Metal company Alco in Örebro in the 1920s. Newspaper articles around Sweden soon praised the material, Gothenburg Dagblad wrote in 1922: “Dirigold maintains its high shine even after long-standing use unlike silver.” It also quickly became popular for as it withstood discolouration. As these candelabras showcase, the light gold colour is especially effective on round, carved shapes with diverse angles. The structures are rather traditional with round bases, long columns and three arms with cups and so-called chambersticks, small pans to catch dripping wax. And then the not so obvious element: the top parts are removable, converting the design into a vase. This ingenious feature praises John Norelius as a designer and immediately distinguishes this model from all other candelabras. Norelius became a trainee at AB Alcometaller around 1920, and eventually came to lead the dirigold production in the new factory in Mosås.
The composition of the alloy was kept secret, and because of a shortage in materials, the production of dirigold items ceased, making this Nordic Art Nouveau trio of candelabras museum quality pieces.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The dirigold has some marks and patina.
Dimensions:
4.72 in W x 2.16 in D x 6.69 in H
12 cm W x 5.5 cm D x 17 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Mirrors are versatile pieces of interior décor with the power to influence their surroundings; they create depth, increase light reflection, and add a statement to any space. Fusing function and form, mirrors offer useful reflection while also providing an eye-catching focal point in any room. This beautiful Italian mirror is stylish, with a simple but timeless look.
In the early days, mirrors were made from obsidian, a smooth black stone, and metals, such as copper and bronze. The use of glass in mirror-making was initially developed during the rise of the glass industry, and later revolutionised by Murano glass-makers. The play on materials and geometry, with the mirror’s clean and symmetrical lines, creates a neat, modern look. The brass, the ultimate material of 20th century design is balanced out by the glass surface. The reflective facet and the frame are seamlessly connected, making the frame almost seem like it is floating. The organic frame which showcases the beautiful patina of the brass provides simple elegance, making this mirror perfect for bringing some understated modernism into a room.
As this model shows, an accent mirror can fulfill as a clear role in a home, while reflecting the mid-century Italian style. It can serve equally well in a hallway, bathroom or living room, either mounted on a wall or spontaneously leaned against it.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The mirror has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, chips and discolouration.
Dimensions:
33.27 in W x 0.78 in D x 36.99 in H
84.5 cm W x 2 cm D x 96.5 cm H