Cup
1764-1765 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Gold cups have been given as gifts, or used to commemorate achievements since they were used as sporting trophies in the medieval era. This cup, made in London in 1764-5 by Thomas Pitts, is one of the largest known eighteenth century examples. Made of solid gold, it weighs almost three and a half kilograms. The value of its materials, combined with its aesthetic qualities, make it a substantial gift. Its inscription reveals that it was given by Edward Lord Leigh to his guardian Sir W.W Bagot.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Raised, cast and engraved gold |
| Brief description | Gold covered cup; Thomas Pitts, London, 1764-65. |
| Physical description | Cup and cover with two S-curve handles, a waisted body and a pineapple finial. The lid is engraved with an unidentified crest; the body with a coat of arms and an inscription. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | (Gallery 71, case 1)
1, 2. Gold cups
Cups have been a traditional form of gift since the medieval period.
2. Cup and cover
1764–65
London, England; Thomas Pitts (active 1757–93)
Gold
Given by Edward, Lord Leigh (1742–86), to his legal guardian
Museum no. Loan:Gilbert.6:1, 2-2008(16/11/2016) |
| Credit line | The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London |
| Object history | Provenance: Sir W. W. Bagot, 1765. S. J. Phillips, June, 1996. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Gold cups have been given as gifts, or used to commemorate achievements since they were used as sporting trophies in the medieval era. This cup, made in London in 1764-5 by Thomas Pitts, is one of the largest known eighteenth century examples. Made of solid gold, it weighs almost three and a half kilograms. The value of its materials, combined with its aesthetic qualities, make it a substantial gift. Its inscription reveals that it was given by Edward Lord Leigh to his guardian Sir W.W Bagot. Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996. |
| Other numbers |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:GILBERT.6:1, 2-2008 |
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| Record created | June 26, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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