Tiffany Studios
Groundhog candlestick for the Rowfant Club of Cleveland, Ohio
New York, New York, 1903
bronze
stamped marks
This is numbered 69, out of an edition of 100. Designed by Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946) and modeled by J.L. Clark.
5 5/8"w x 4 1/4"d x 8 5/8"h

Provenance:
The Ira Simon Collection, Chicago, Illinois

Literature:
Duncan, Alastair, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Antique Collectors Club Art Books, 2019, p. 417

Catalog Note:
The Rowfant Club was founded in 1892 as a private bibliophilic society for the prominent men of Cleveland, Ohio. Known for its unique traditions, members were instructed to bring a candlestick from home and use it to reserve their place at the club's weekly dinners. By 1901, the Rowfant Club had amassed an impressive collection of mismatched candlesticks, which fueled their desire for a custom candlestick.

The club held their annual meeting every February 2, on Candlemas, to honor their respect for candlelight and printed books. This is also coincidentally Groundhog Day, and this serendipitous coincidence inspired them to begin calling themselves "The Gopher Club".

Munson Aldrich Havens, a club member, wrote a commission request to the wildlife artist and author, Ernest Thompson Seton, for a candlestick holder that included the primary symbols of the club — the book, the candle and the groundhog. After many revisions, the final design was modeled by James Lippit Clark and produced as an edition of 100 by Tiffany Studios for the club's 10-year anniversary.

Excellent original patina. Original removable candle cup insert. Expected shelf wear along underside of edges.
Impressed Marks:
J.L. Clark
Ernest Thompson Seton (with paw print)
Of / One Hundred / Copies Made This is / No-69