Smythson’s Luc Goidadin shares his most precious object

I hoard Victorian crockery; there is something comforting to me about garishly patterned tea cups from the 1800s. Designers and makers really went for it back then. That level of commitment to absolute ornamentation is thrilling. I’ve also always had a soft spot for bird-related bibelots – my grandmother had a mean line in them that I used to lust after as a child. They liven things up.

This phantasmagorical candelabra is a concoction of antique patterned-china teacups, delicate faïence flowers, brass candlesticks, filigree foliage and, most importantly, a surly ceramic parrot.

It was created by Candace Bahouth, who lives and works in Somerset. She hunts down exquisite and outrageous vintage ceramics, and then magics them up into the most marvellous objects. Think Madame de Pompadour does kintsugi.

During her show ‘Enchanted Visions’ at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, I spotted the candelabra on a bright-orange plinth from across the room and knew I had to have it. I’ve owned it since last summer and it’s already a firm friend. We’d just moved into a new home and, after months of work, it felt like a final flourish – that special something to claim ownership.

I keep it on my mantelpiece, where it glitters cheekily when lit. It’s in quite a serious room, so it’s a welcome bit of whimsy; I love objects that manage to be beautiful as well as witty. Knowing the person who created it (who happens to be utterly fabulous) gives it added significance. Taking something with history to create something startling and new is always inspiring. smythson.com