As we wandered our way across Tuscany in 2013 and 2015, we were drawn to the odd assortment of fantastic wrought iron torch holders that were scattered on buildings throughout the region. Initially I wasn’t really sure about the functionality of these pieces, which come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes have a large iron ring at the bottom. I wasn’t able to find too much information about them online, but based on what I could find they do indeed seem to be torch holders, remnants from a pre-streetlight era long since gone. They were also used – and  maybe still are – to hold flags during festivals or times of celebration.

The iron rings are variously described as rein-holders (for horses), or possibly something that would allow people to string banners (or laundry) accross streets or piazzas.

Whatever their purpose, these little gadgets caught my attention and I became somewhat obsessed with looking for them everywhere we went.

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