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
This beautiful tray, produced in Spain in the second half of the 20th century, is a refined example of decorative craftsmanship paired with functional design. In 1798, the Valentí family started its first silversmith workshop in Barcelona. In 1925 Fernando Valentí Clúa, founder of the current Valentí, was born. Since then, they have created a company with a solid handcraft foundation, influenced by the decorative arts and the renaissance of craftsmanship applied to modernity.
The tray has a broad, elongated oval shape with a shallow interior and gently raised sides. Its outline has a natural flow, showing its handcrafted nature. The inside has a rich, warm golden brass surface, dramatically enhanced by areas of turquoise. Across the bottom of the tray, the brass almost melts across the blue surface. The pattern it creates is effortlessly organic. The exterior displays a continuous turquoise finish, making the distinction between the inside and outside especially striking. The smooth, shallow form allows the different surfaces to remain clearly visible, while also working functionally as a tray. The combination of materials gives the piece a memorable example of Spanish mid-century decorative metalwork.
Decorative objects of this kind are particularly appealing for their ability to introduce colour, texture and material contrast into an interior. This Valentí tray is an excellent centrepiece for a coffee table, dining table or sideboard, where its richly patterned interior can be appreciated from above. It can also serve as a decorative catchall or simply be displayed as an object in its own right.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature of material, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration.