The New York City–based tableware company Swid Powell produced some of the most distinctive china and silver of the 1980s in collaboration with international architects and designers. It enjoyed renewed attention in 2007, when the Yale University Art Gallery mounted the exhibition “The Architect’s Table: Swid Powell and Postmodern Design,” celebrating the donation to its collection of the company’s papers.
Swid Powell was established in 1982 by Nan Swid and Addie Powell, who met while working at the modernist furniture company Knoll. Their idea was to translate the aesthetics of postmodern design from the skyscraper to the dining table, and they brought into their preliminary discussions nine prominent architects. Among these were Philip Johnson, Stanley Tigerman and Richard Meier, all of whom expressed enthusiasm about making their designs accessible beyond the small group with the funds to commission buildings from them.
The first Swid Powell collection was launched in 1984, accompanied by a bold, graphic print campaign in keeping with the era’s advertising trends. The company’s best-known collaboration was with Robert Venturi’s Philadelphia-based firm, Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, whose patterns — particularly the floral design Grandmother inspired by a tablecloth Venturi saw at the home of a colleague's grandmother — adorned Swid Powell porcelain as well as furniture and clothing.
The firm also partnered with architect Richard Meier, whose geometric designs were inspired in part by those of Josef Hoffmann and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Swid Powell also worked with Arata Isosaki, Ettore Sottsass, Zaha Hadid and George Sowden, creating products that incorporated the bright, saturated colors and popular and historical references, like Classical columns, that animated postmodern design in the 1980s. The Chicago Blue china pattern designed for Swid Powell by the firm Gwathmey Siegel references the distinctive patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright’s leaded glass windows. As you will see in the examples below, Swid Powell continued to produce fine, fashionable homewares throughout the decade and beyond.
Pair of Swid Powell Silver Plate Postmodern Candlesticks
By Swid Powell
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks by Swid Powell, circa 1980s. Featuring a refined architectural form with cylindrical stems, wide drip pans, and weighted circula...
Silver Plate
Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton
By Reed & Barton, Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in Kansas City, MO
Striking pair of silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore Sottsass and made by Swid Powell in collaboration with Reed and Barton, 1980s.
Silver
Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell
By Robert Venturi, Swid Powell
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell, Both stamped RVenturi MADE IN ITALY SILVER PLATED with copyright mark.
Silver Plate
Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one icon of Post Modern design by the well known architect Ettore Sottsass.
Silver Plate
Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis
By Swid Powell, Steven Holl
Located in San Diego, CA
patinated bronze candlestick designed by American architect Steven Holl for Swid Powell c.1980's , very rare tall candlestick hard to find very collectible in a verdigris finish stamped at the bottom, with some scuff marks due to age solid piece great for postmodern , Memphis mid century home decor.
Bronze
1980's Post-Modern Silverplate Candlestick by David Palterer for Swid Powell
By David Palterer, Swid Powell
Located in Rochester, NY
Vintage 1980's architectural Post-Modern sword hilt form silver plate candlestick ( double bowl - one smooth / one hammered - atop a tapered column ) designed by David Palterer for ...
Silver Plate
Richard Meier Postmodern Silverplate Candlestick for Italian Swid Powell, 1980's
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver-plated candlestick designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy. This striking postmodern design exemplifies Meier’s sculptural, architectural approach, bringing bold pres...
Silver Plate
Pair of Richard Meier for Swid Powell Silver Plate Post-Modern Bowls
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined matched pair of silver-plated postmodern bowls designed by celebrated architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, New York, circa 1980s. Executed with Meier’s signature archit...
Silver Plate
$184 / item
H 6.3 in Dm 3.15 in
Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Large Candleholder, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Kubbe collection was designed with inspiration from the domes of the courtyards, shops and workshops of the Grand Bazaar, which has been the center of silver-smiting in Istanbul for ...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of 18th Century French Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Cast in France during the 1700s, this pair of bronze candlesticks has a lovely patination, giving them a glossy brown color. The highly contoured and curved bases are mirrored by the...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Victorian Silver Plated Four Light Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
While unmarked, these seem to us to be in the style of Elkington. The prevailing motif is fruiting vine, the stem, arms and drip pans continue the theme, the three legged base is als...
Silver Plate
Pair of "Art Nouveau" Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
Figural candlesticks of young damsels.
Silver Plate
$1,343 / item
H 11.42 in W 4.73 in D 4.34 in
Silver Plated Metal Candleholder by M. De Lucchi for Produzione Privata, 90s
By Michele de Lucchi, Produzione Privata
Located in Varese, Lombardia
A rare candle stick design by Michele de Lucchi in the 1996 and produced in a limited edition by Produzione Privata (3/30). This version is called "candeliere 4" and it's made of sil...
Silver, Brass
$8,850Sale Price / set|70% Off
H 9.75 in Dm 5.5 in
Pair of Sterling Silver Cymric Candlesticks, Archibald Knox for Liberty and Co
By Archibald Knox
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceedingly Rare and Important pair of Museum quality old English sterling silver Cymric candlesticks. Exceptional example of silver from the Art...
Sterling Silver
$380Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 1.38 in D 4.88 in
19th Century Georgian, Sheffield Silver Plate Candlesticks, Pair
By Sheffield
Located in Soquel, CA
19th Century Georgian, Sheffield Silver Plate Candlesticks, Pair Pair of English, Georgian, George IV Sheffield silver plate candlesticks. Vintage, distressed silver finish. Silver ...
Sheffield Plate, Copper
On Hold|$1,364 / set
H 9.06 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
Pair of Brutalist Candlesticks by David Marshall Bronze and Aluminum Spain, 1980
By David Marshall
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful pair of brutalist candlesticks designed and made by david marshall in the 70s in spain. Bronze and aluminum structure. Design objects that will decorate your interior wonde...
Aluminum, Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Green Patinated Bronze
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. The square-shaped base or washer provides stability to the barrel, which has been shaped into a column with a smooth shaft with a notable wi...
Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. The base washer shows a decoration based on moldings, while the barrel rises from a pedestal topped by a large pearl and is shaped like a va...
Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks or Candleholders, Patinated Bronze
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of candlestick in patinated bronze. It has a square base with flattened corners and decorated with moldings that create a staggering until almost reaching the barrel, worked as...
Bronze
$1,150 / set
H 10.24 in W 4.93 in D 4.93 in
Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality pair of antique Victorian silver plated candlesticks having an outstanding quality pair of antique Victorian ornate silver plated candlesticks standing on ornate shaped round...
Silver Plate
Pair of Polish Baroque Style Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Montreal, QC
These Polish candlesticks are in the Baroque taste, vigorously modelled and boldly conceived. They were originally Sabbath candlesticks but they might well be used for secular purpo...
Silver Plate
$350 / set
H 18 in W 7 in D 7 in
Tall Vintage Cast Iron Candlestick Holders, Set of 2, Post-Modern Design
Located in Fairfield, CA
A pair of tall cast iron candlestick holders in varying heights. Unique curvy design with tripod bases to create a wonderful sculptural display. ...
Iron
Sold
H 12 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.5 in W 13 in D 3.5 in
Ettore Sottsass Swid Powell Candlestick Abstract Architectural Form Mid Century
By Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Architectural silver plated candlestick, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell, circa 1990s. It has been recently hand polished and is ready to use.
Silver Plate
Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1983 Pair of vintage “King Richard” candlesticks designed by American architect Richard Meier for Sw...
Silver Plate
Swid Powell Candlesticks, Designed by Stern, Italian- Set of 2, c. 1980's
By Swid Powell, Robert A.M. Stern
Located in Ross, CA
Set of two stamped Swid Powell Candlesticks, made in Italy in the 1980's. Designed and stamped with architect Robert A.M. Stern's initials. The pattern is called "Century". Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Robert A.M. Stern, Cleto Munari
Located in Skokie, IL
"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell A single iconic "Metropolitan" silver-plated candlestick designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. Stern, b. 1...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari
Located in Skokie, IL
"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Silvershade" silver-plated candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007, was a...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari
Located in Skokie, IL
"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Moonlight" silver -plated and brass candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Starlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari
Located in Skokie, IL
A single "Starlight" silver-plated and brass candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007, was a noted 20th century Italian architect and the founder ...
Silver Plate, Brass
"King Richard" Candlestick by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Cleto Munari, Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Skokie, IL
"King Richard" Candlestick by Richard Meier for Swid Powell A single "King Richard" silver-plated candlestick designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Meier, b. 1934, is a noted 2...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Courtney" Bud Vase by Gwathmey and Siegel for Swid Powell
By Gwathmey Siegel & Assoc, Cleto Munari, Swid Powell
Located in Skokie, IL
"Courtney" Bud Vase by Gwathmey and Siegel for Swid Powell A rare and iconic "Courtney" silver-plated bud vase designed by Charles Gwathmey and Robert Siegel for Swid Powell. Gwathm...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Courtney" Candlestick by Gwathmey and Siegel for Swid Powell
By Gwathmey Siegel & Assoc, Cleto Munari, Swid Powell
Located in Skokie, IL
A rare and iconic "Courtney" silver-plated candlestick designed by Charles Gwathmey and Robert Siegel for Swid Powell. Gwathmey (1938-2009) and Siegel (b. 1939) were noted 20th cent...
Silver Plate, Brass
Pair of King Richard Candlesticks, Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a pair of silver plated King Richard candle holders. These sculpturally modernist candle holders were designed by American Architect Richard Meier...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 13.75 in Dm 2.75 in
Pair of Silver Plate & Brass Candlesticks by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of post modernist candlesticks were realized by the iconoclastic and inimitable Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. The...
Silver Plate, Brass
Post-Modern Silver Plated Candlestick by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of post modern design Silver Plated candlesticks designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Made in Italy Circa: 1984.
Silver Plate
Post Modern Architectural Silverplate Candlesticks Richard Meier Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Rochester, NY
Silver plate post modern architectural design tocandlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell - Made in Italy, 1983. Signed underside bottom. Measure 9 1/4" h x 3 1/2" diameter at ...
Silver Plate