Solid Brass 7-light Candelabra by Lars Åkesson for Vallonmässing – Sweden, 1986

This monumental, 5 kilograms weighing seven-arm candelabra represents the pinnacle of Swedish brass craftsmanship from the mid-1980s. Stamped on the base with the Vallonmässing workshop mark, numbered 62, and dated 1986, the piece carries the handwritten initials “LÅ” — the personal signature of founder and designer Lars Åkesson himself. This level of documentation is rare and confirms the candelabra as an authentic, verified example from Vallonmässing’s most productive period.

Vallonmässing emerged in 1981 when Lars Åkesson and Ulf Larsson left conventional employment to pursue their vision of handcrafted brass objects. The two had worked together since 1961, but a brass candlestick they created as a gift in 1980 sparked the idea for their own workshop. Unlike larger Swedish manufacturers of the era, Vallonmässing operated as a small independent workshop, first in Söderköping and later at Harsby Gård in Östergötland, focusing on limited production where each piece received individual attention. The name itself honors Sweden’s metalworking heritage: “Vallon” references the Walloon ironworkers who brought advanced metallurgical techniques to Sweden in the 17th century, while “Mässing” simply means brass. Remarkably, Vallonmässing continues operating today, still managed by those connected to the original founders — a testament to the timeless quality they pursued from the start.

The design showcases Åkesson’s architectural approach to functional objects. A central vertical column anchors seven candle arms arranged in symmetrical progression, each terminating in an hourglass-shaped socket with a distinctive diamond-cut detail. This geometric motif appears throughout Vallonmässing’s 1980s catalogue, becoming something of a signature element. The brass has developed a warm, natural patina over nearly forty years. At 1986, this piece comes from the workshop’s mature period, when both founders had fully refined their aesthetic voice. The candelabra takes regular dining candles.