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Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object name |
Holder, Rushlight |
Artist or maker |
unknown |
Date |
unknown |
Place of origin |
unknown |
Materials and techniques |
iron |
Physical description |
A combination rushlight holder and candlestick. |
Historical context |
The rushlight was a type of homemade candle. This method provided inexpensive lighting when candles were unavailable. The candle was formed by stripping away the outer bark of a rush plant and then soaking the dried pith in fat or grease. Rushes were harvested in the summer, generally by women and children. The stems were then peeled and hung to dry. The bunches were then dipped into fat and formed into a tapered candle shape. Historical references to 18th century rushlight holders produced in the colonies are rare. This lighting method was much more common in England. |
Current exhibit |
Long Room |
Catalogue number |
2015.03.002 |
Collection name |
Furniture and Decorative Arts |
Credit line |
Collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum |
Subjects and places |
England Britain United Kingdom |