Chalice
Chalice and Paten
about 1775 (made)
about 1775 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Chalice and paten, glass, engraved and gilt decaration of leafy sprays and the inscription 'MAGDALENE CHARITY THE GLORY BE TO GOD'
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Chalice (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Glass, engraved, gilt |
| Brief description | Glass chalice and paten from the Chapel of the Magdalen Hospital, Southwark, with gilt engraved decoration and inscription, Britain, about 1775 |
| Physical description | Glass chalice with funnel-shaped bowl and a plain conical foot. Engraved and gilt with leafy sprays and with the inscription 'MAGDALENE CHARITY THE GLORY BE TO GOD'. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Copy number | unique |
| Marks and inscriptions | MAGDALENE CHARITY THE GLORY BE TO GOD |
| Gallery label | MAGDALEN HOSPITAL CHALICE AND PATEN
The hospital, originally for the reform and relief of penitent prostitutes, was founded in Whitechapel in 1758 and moved to St. George's Fields, Southwark in 1772. In 1868 it moved again to Streatham and became a secondary school. This chalice and paten is an extremely rare example of communion ware in glass.
England (London), around 1775
Glass
Museum no. C62&A-1988 |
| Object history | The chalice and paten is an extremely rare example of communion ware in glass Historical significance: Providing support for those in need was seen as a Christian virtue. In 18th century London, leading citizens founded institutions by subscription to assist the poor, sick and isolated. The Magdalen Hospital was set up to reform repentant prostitutes by teaching them Christian principles. The first English, non-denominational Magdalen Hospital was established in (Great) Prescot Street in 1758. Six penitents were admitted on the first day; by 1769 1,500 had passed through its doors, most having stayed for about three years. This led to plans for expansion and from 1769 a new hospital was built in St George's Fields, Southwark, a location dependent on the new Blackfriars Bridge. The new Magdalen Hospital opening in 1772. Queen Charlotte led the list of subscribers for 'Building A New Magdalen Hospital' with a donation of £300 and remained a governor for life. Dr Secker, Archbishop of Canterbury contributed £10. Sunday services in the octagonal chapel featured the choir formed of inmates that sang behind a screen. The beauty of music from these unseen voices attracted a fashionable congregation of potential supporters. |
| Historical context | Made for the chapel of the Magdalen Hospital for Penitent Prostitutes in St. George's Fields, Southwark |
| Association | |
| Summary | Chalice and paten, glass, engraved and gilt decaration of leafy sprays and the inscription 'MAGDALENE CHARITY THE GLORY BE TO GOD' |
| Associated object | |
| Bibliographic reference | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.62-1988 |
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| Record created | September 24, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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