Arthur Umanoff Large Wall Candelabrum

A monumental wall candelabra designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor circa 1950.

Umanoff & Raymor were both significant entities in the development of Modernism in the mid-20th century.

American born Industrial designer Umanoff is widely considered to be a founding member of the mid-century modern movement in the USA. Whilst, Raymor’s work (importing, distributing & manufacturing a small quantity of goods in the US) was pivotal to the development of many C20th designers, not just in the US but across Europe.

Indeed, as Mark Hill has explored, ‘without Raymor […] the work of many important C20th designers may not have been as important or recognised as it is today.’ [1]

This theatrical wall candelabrum features five arms, each of which is adorned with a candle sconce and drip pan. The arms elegantly bend up and fan out from the central vertical bar, which is topped with a circular hanging loop.

Although crafted from wrought iron the metal is entirely enamelled in a vibrant orange, a colourway much rarer than the customary black, and a bold statement.

Wrought iron was a material favoured by Umanoff, as was cane which elegantly wraps around the full length of the vertical bar and hanging loop, adding a touch of organic texture to this striking design.

With candles thoughtfully graduated to be lower in the middle, this sconce not only illuminates but captivates. The shape, colour, size, and materials all contribute to the dramatic presence that this wall candelabra has.

[1] Hill, Mark. "Who & What Was Raymor?"