Candlesticks
Donated by Mrs Nora Noyes
Elizabeth Lindsay in her book on All Saints Anglican Church (2000) noted that Mrs Noyes donated six matching candlesticks and a crucifix for the altar, not long after the church was complete. The candlesticks are 1.37 metres tall, of a ornate Italian design and date from approximately 1700. The Western Australian Museum (2002) mentioned that the candlesticks are formed in 3 parts, and are made from ‘formed sheet silver over wood’. There is a central iron beam holding the various sections together. The sheet silver is a mix of copper and silver of which 40% is copper, over time copper rich layers (Patina) have formed on the candlesticks and they became resistant to cleaning.
By the late 1990’s the Candlesticks had fallen into disrepair with breaks, cracks, dents, holes and deformations. The metal had become thin and frail. Mr Tim Hopwood started a campaign to have the Candlesticks repaired. The West Australian Museum was asked to quote on conserving 4 of the Candlesticks and grants were applied for. But the cost ($20 000) proved too prohibitive for the small congregation.
Replated
In 2011, Mrs Margaret White took up the challenge of raising money for replating (rather than repairing) the 6 Candlesticks at a cost of $8 000. Letters were sent out to various Collie organisations and many Collie locals were also willing to support this cause. When the Candlesticks were taken to Perth for recoating (in their natural state) the expert suggested that gold would adhere to the metal in this state for a much longer period than silver. Therefore the Candlesticks were replated in gold.