Topic: Candlesticks with fish stems - ID = Helen Millard

[catshome]

These 12cm high candlesticks appear to be signed "H.Millard (something)2" and "Helen Millard (something) (something - possibly a 2, maybe a 5).


I haven't found anything similar when searching for her work, although it is possible they are early pieces, and I'm a bit reluctant to email and ask her in case they are Dremel.

Does anyone have any reference pieces for comparison?

Many thanks

[chopin-liszt]

I had a paperweight by Helen Millard, the internal bit looked not unlike this. I'd be happy enough with the work and general appearance.
Unfortunately, I don't have an image of the signature. Glassobsessed might have one.

[glassobsessed]

I don't have a photo of her signature but there is one here:
https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/2a0276691b1be8d8752e94db4207d31a/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/saturday-collective-sale-lot-2365/
 
The style of the sticks looks spot on, nice too, I would think they are right.

Pretty sure she would not mind you asking. She sometimes sells at Shepton Flea market, superb cameo work.

John

Remembered that I do have a photo, signature on a paperweight.

[chopin-liszt]

The very paperweight I was talking about - thanks, John.
It just looks as if a different tool might have been used for the weight and the sticks.

[catshome]

Thank you both for all the info. 

Apart from the quality of the signatures, all the other pieces I've managed to find online have the dates written in full. 

I will email, especially as it would be useful to be able to add more information here.

[chopin-liszt]

Can you see the similarities in the way the coloured enamels are worked in both your sticks and the pwt? That was what was most obvious to me when I saw your sticks - they immediately made me recall that weight.
Writing to Helen herself is the best idea yet for confirmation. 

[catshome]

They definitely have the same effect, and I have also seen that she did some fish related pieces.  When you see her cameo vases ...... I mean the sheer quality of the work......it just seems such a stretch to think she also made these.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that all these great artists had to start somewhere.  I have a little pottery mug made by Michael Cardew at the very start of his time with Bernard Leach......possibly the earliest known piece of his.....and when I compare it with the pieces in the V&A I am always amazed how you can go from complete novice to master craftsman.  It's a bit humbling to be honest.

[chopin-liszt]

I'm rather enjoying your enthusiasm. It's hard to keep it going at this level for 20 years straight, especially as I don't get out much any more.
I do have a bit of a thing about collecting the very early work of artists. I often think their talent shines through the slightly less developed and "professional" apperance of later stuff.
And it is often more affordable. 

[catshome]

I finally got around to emailing Helen Millard, and she has replied and confirmed that they are definitely pieces she made. 

[chopin-liszt]

Print the email out.
You've got some lovely personal provenance to go with them.