Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 125b

Christening Cup

1868-1869 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Gifts of silver were often given to mark rites of passage, such as marriage, retirement or christening. The custom of a christening gift may have begun in the Tudor period (1485-1603). Silver spoons were a popular present, hence the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth'. In 1661 the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) gave a set of silver spoons as a christening gift to a child in his family. Cups and porringers (small, two-handled bowls) could also be given as christening presents.

Time
By the 19th century the standard gift for a christening was a set of cutlery, a cup or a mug. Manufacturers' catalogues from the later part of the century show boxed sets of cutlery with a cup, mug or egg cup. These could cost over £12 depending on the number of pieces and the richness of the decoration.

Manufacturer
Barnard & Sons was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in London in the 19th century. They supplied retailers throughout England with good-quality silver and also exported to such countries as America and India.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver gilt, beaded and engraved
Brief description
Christening cup, silver-gilt, London hallmarks for 1868-69, mark of Barnard & Sons.
Dimensions
  • Height: 14.2cm
  • Base width: 6.8cm
Dimensions checked: measured; 04/01/1999 by sf
Marks and inscriptions
Inscribed: 'Nesta Mary Platt from her GODFATHER'
Gallery label
British Galleries: This christening cup is a fine example of the kind of commemorative gift that was often given by a relative at a child's christening. The silver-gilt goblet is decorated with beading and engraved ivy leaves, signifying eternal life.(27/03/2003)
Object history
Made by Barnard & Sons, London
Summary
Object Type
Gifts of silver were often given to mark rites of passage, such as marriage, retirement or christening. The custom of a christening gift may have begun in the Tudor period (1485-1603). Silver spoons were a popular present, hence the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth'. In 1661 the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) gave a set of silver spoons as a christening gift to a child in his family. Cups and porringers (small, two-handled bowls) could also be given as christening presents.

Time
By the 19th century the standard gift for a christening was a set of cutlery, a cup or a mug. Manufacturers' catalogues from the later part of the century show boxed sets of cutlery with a cup, mug or egg cup. These could cost over £12 depending on the number of pieces and the richness of the decoration.

Manufacturer
Barnard & Sons was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in London in the 19th century. They supplied retailers throughout England with good-quality silver and also exported to such countries as America and India.
Collection
Accession number
M.97-1984

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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