Chalice
1851 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
A chalice is a cup used to contain wine at the most important act of worship of the Christian Church, the Holy Communion or Mass. This chalice was designed by the architect A.W.N. Pugin (1812-1852), using 15th-century Italian church plate as his model. On his frequent visits to the Continent he studied and recorded objects in Museums and cathedral treasuries. He re-interpreted the forms and details of these historic objects to create a distinct 19th-century expression of the earlier designs.
People
The architect, A.W.N. Pugin, and the manufacturer, John Hardman shared a commitment to the revival of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. In 1838, they founded a business to provide church furnishings describing themselves as the first 'Medieval Metalworkers'. As designer, Pugin promoted the Gothic as the only appropriate Christian style. However, this chalice, which was influenced by 15th-century Italian models in its shape and decorative detailing, demonstrates that his sources of design were not exclusively Medieval.
Historical Associations
This chalice was first shown as part of the large display of altar plate and church fittings in the Great Exhibition's Medieval Court in 1851. Richly embellished with enamels and hardstones it is one of the finest pieces made during the collaboration between its designer A.W.N. Pugin and the manufacturer John Hardman. The chalice was designed as an exhibition piece to advertise the skill of designer and maker and was bought by the Museum from the Exhibition for the high cost of £45.
A chalice is a cup used to contain wine at the most important act of worship of the Christian Church, the Holy Communion or Mass. This chalice was designed by the architect A.W.N. Pugin (1812-1852), using 15th-century Italian church plate as his model. On his frequent visits to the Continent he studied and recorded objects in Museums and cathedral treasuries. He re-interpreted the forms and details of these historic objects to create a distinct 19th-century expression of the earlier designs.
People
The architect, A.W.N. Pugin, and the manufacturer, John Hardman shared a commitment to the revival of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. In 1838, they founded a business to provide church furnishings describing themselves as the first 'Medieval Metalworkers'. As designer, Pugin promoted the Gothic as the only appropriate Christian style. However, this chalice, which was influenced by 15th-century Italian models in its shape and decorative detailing, demonstrates that his sources of design were not exclusively Medieval.
Historical Associations
This chalice was first shown as part of the large display of altar plate and church fittings in the Great Exhibition's Medieval Court in 1851. Richly embellished with enamels and hardstones it is one of the finest pieces made during the collaboration between its designer A.W.N. Pugin and the manufacturer John Hardman. The chalice was designed as an exhibition piece to advertise the skill of designer and maker and was bought by the Museum from the Exhibition for the high cost of £45.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, parcel gilt, with champlevé enamels and garnets |
| Brief description | Chalice shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851, designed by A.W.N. Pugin and made by Hardman & Co., Birmingham, 1851 |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | The translated inscription reads 'I will take this chalice of salvation and will call upon the name of the Lord' |
| Gallery label |
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| Object history | Designed by A.W.N. Pugin (born in London, 1812, died in Ramsgate, Kent, 1852); made by Hardman & Co. Birmingham |
| Summary | Object Type A chalice is a cup used to contain wine at the most important act of worship of the Christian Church, the Holy Communion or Mass. This chalice was designed by the architect A.W.N. Pugin (1812-1852), using 15th-century Italian church plate as his model. On his frequent visits to the Continent he studied and recorded objects in Museums and cathedral treasuries. He re-interpreted the forms and details of these historic objects to create a distinct 19th-century expression of the earlier designs. People The architect, A.W.N. Pugin, and the manufacturer, John Hardman shared a commitment to the revival of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. In 1838, they founded a business to provide church furnishings describing themselves as the first 'Medieval Metalworkers'. As designer, Pugin promoted the Gothic as the only appropriate Christian style. However, this chalice, which was influenced by 15th-century Italian models in its shape and decorative detailing, demonstrates that his sources of design were not exclusively Medieval. Historical Associations This chalice was first shown as part of the large display of altar plate and church fittings in the Great Exhibition's Medieval Court in 1851. Richly embellished with enamels and hardstones it is one of the finest pieces made during the collaboration between its designer A.W.N. Pugin and the manufacturer John Hardman. The chalice was designed as an exhibition piece to advertise the skill of designer and maker and was bought by the Museum from the Exhibition for the high cost of £45. |
| Bibliographic reference | Baker, Malcolm, and Brenda Richardson (eds.), A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: V&A Publications, 1999.
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1327-1851 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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