Candle extinguishers

Candle extinguishers were first manufactured at the Worcester Royal Porcelain factory
in Severn Street in the 1850s. They were sold in large numbers, singly or as pairs, with a
matching single or double extinguisher stand, which was also made of porcelain. They were
usually kept on the mantelpiece and we have to assume that many were broken during use as
few survive today.

Victorian Worcester extinguishers were made of a cream-coloured porcelain called Parian.
They were slip cast in Plaster of Paris moulds and were decorated entirely by hand. Early
extinguishers were plain white, some were embellished with simple gold lines and later others
were decorated in full colour. Blush Ivory versions are also known.

We have no record of who designed the early range of extinguishers in the 1850s, but the
designs were so successful that the same master moulds remained in use for nearly 120
years. Many extinguishers introduced in the 1870s and 1880s were designed by the talented
modeller, James Hadley.

Extinguishers introduced in the 1850s and 1860s
* indicates a rare model

Extinguishers introduced in the 1870s
* indicates a rare model

Extinguishers introduced in the 1880s (designed by James Hadley)
* indicates a rare model

Extinguishers introduced in the twentieth century
* indicates a rare model

Towards the end of the nineteenth century with the increasing use of electricity, extinguishers
were no longer needed and production dramatically decreased by 1900. Extinguishers made in
the twentieth century were intended for decorative use only. They were made either of white
bone china or ‘Wall Body’ a cream coloured bone china.

Production of decorative extinguishers continued until the 1930’s, with firm favourites, Nun,
Monk and Cook, and three new snuffers, Witch, Mandarin and Hush being made in large
numbers. After the Second World War many extinguishers were produced in a huge variety
of different colours. They remained popular until the late 1950’s.
Between 1976 and 1986 new versions of the earlier extinguishers were made. These were
produced in bone china and were decorated in very soft colours, including Nun, Monk, Hush,
Old Woman, Young Woman, Mr.&Mrs.Caudle, Mr.Punch, Budge, Toddy, Owl, Cook, Girl
with Feathered Hat and the Girl with Mob Cap.

In 1999 a complete new range of extinguishers was launched. These were larger in scale
than the original models and were elaborately decorated in full colour with 22 carat gold
detail. The decoration of the range was designed by Kevin McGee.